tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7411504327469686702019-03-09T05:02:44.745-08:00Life in the fashion laneUK Lifestyle BlogShannon Pnoreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-51037905520557681292019-01-21T11:03:00.000-08:002019-01-21T11:03:27.967-08:00Harry's 1 Month Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_m5alXUYsrs/XEXTBKZdmTI/AAAAAAAAIq4/wgcfnYyQTP8L9YSAuKflHCxibz42t7ZhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_m5alXUYsrs/XEXTBKZdmTI/AAAAAAAAIq4/wgcfnYyQTP8L9YSAuKflHCxibz42t7ZhgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Harry is now 5 weeks old! I'm not sure where the time has gone already, but he has changed a lot over these 5 weeks and I really want to document this here on our blog.<br /><br /><b><u>Sleep</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>For the first few weeks Harry was an excellent sleeper, waking every 3 hours for feeds and then settling again between. More recently he has found settling between feeds more difficult due to having a lot of wind. We are currently trying to help find a solution for this but so far only cuddles with us seems to help him drift off. He still wakes for feeds every 3/4 hours but takes longer to settle so sleep for us at the moment is very bit and bobby! Coffee is my new best friend (though often drank cold!) All I read when searching for a miracle answer is 'they will get better with time' so for now we will just keep plodding on!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><b><u>Weight</u></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><b></b><u></u><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">If you have read my birth story, you will know that Harry was 3 weeks early and also very tiny at 4lb 13oz. He had some trouble with his blood sugars and jaundice meaning a hospital stay for us, but luckily thanks to a feeding regime he recovered quickly from these and we were allowed home. We tried to maintain this regime for a while but he himself sticks to a rough 3/4 hour feed schedule. At his last weigh in he was an impressive 6lb 7oz so seems to be gaining weight well. I'm excited to see what he is at his next weigh in, as he no longer fits in Tiny Baby clothes and is fitting nicely in his first size outfits.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arEhGRF4MRk/XEXUcOzroCI/AAAAAAAAIrE/g0bhkMEDcEAqRF3Y0D4egeyEtlAuEDwAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arEhGRF4MRk/XEXUcOzroCI/AAAAAAAAIrE/g0bhkMEDcEAqRF3Y0D4egeyEtlAuEDwAACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><b><u>Appointments</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>The first month was made up of lots and lots of appointments, luckily the first 2 and half weeks we had each other for support, and after that my mum has taken us to them as well. Harry had all his blood spot tests, multiple weigh ins and a good check all over. Everything has come back fine.<br /><br />He was also officially registered this month!<br /><br />We have his first jabs in February, and after those we really want to start taking him swimming and maybe the odd baby group.<br /><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Routine</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>We don't really have a set routine yet, like I mentioned previously he feeds every 3/4 hours and we bath him every other day at the moment. When he reaches 3 months I will definitely try to start implementing a morning and evening routine for him, but at such a young age I think I'm best to just go with the flow and respond to his routine. I know there is a lot of conflicting opinions on routines, but you have to go with your own instinct.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSMn-ElL7Cg/XEXYBgPAUMI/AAAAAAAAIrc/bjVjj8sBPBAtm18od31BCRzJd4nzymcfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSMn-ElL7Cg/XEXYBgPAUMI/AAAAAAAAIrc/bjVjj8sBPBAtm18od31BCRzJd4nzymcfACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u>Loves</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>-Baby Einstein aquarium, he's fascinated by the lights.<br />-His milk-<i> obviously!</i><br />-Lots of cuddles<br />-Mummy and Daddy's crazy singing (debatable!)<br /><br /><u><b>Dislikes</b></u><br /><u><b><br /></b></u>-Nappy changes<br />-Being in his mosses basket<br />-Mummy and Daddy trying to sleep!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy One Month Baby Boy.</i></div><i></i><br /><u></u><b></b><b></b><u></u><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-17942163486903834232019-01-01T05:22:00.001-08:002019-01-01T05:22:48.906-08:00December with Harry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wke111viSIw/XCp2JcLI72I/AAAAAAAAIok/av0uFLutyhYRzmV8rnyAKR7d79OQBv67ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181229_110542_683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wke111viSIw/XCp2JcLI72I/AAAAAAAAIok/av0uFLutyhYRzmV8rnyAKR7d79OQBv67ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181229_110542_683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wasn't expecting to be writing a December with Harry post, seeing as he came 3 weeks early!<i> He definitely doesn't take after me and his dad in that department!</i> You can read about his birth <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/12/our-birth-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><i></i><i></i><br /><br />Harry was born December 16th and our story begins from there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJIfvLfyBA/XCp29gyGCgI/AAAAAAAAIow/I4AW6JV9xx8hGxGFRAujx_dRp7Y2UsXIQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181216_041640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJIfvLfyBA/XCp29gyGCgI/AAAAAAAAIow/I4AW6JV9xx8hGxGFRAujx_dRp7Y2UsXIQCLcBGAs/s640/20181216_041640.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />We had to spend our first few days as a family in hospital due to Harry being so small, it was a routine of feeds, nappy changes and temperature checks. The midwives and health care assistants were all incredible, I cannot thank them enough for all their kindness and support during our stay. Never the less, I was ready to go home and start our life together and get into our own rhythm.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vpwzvAJawQ/XCp3nWX1cxI/AAAAAAAAIo4/tKW4_-OfIhM0uyb5Kgr4dn2Z9aqYrh82gCLcBGAs/s1600/20181216_071243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vpwzvAJawQ/XCp3nWX1cxI/AAAAAAAAIo4/tKW4_-OfIhM0uyb5Kgr4dn2Z9aqYrh82gCLcBGAs/s640/20181216_071243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d8TfXNRXmU/XCp3sNprqYI/AAAAAAAAIo8/HtvPUnQ-G7UEiHyRO9xe6cxbTFoX7fC6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20181218_082759_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d8TfXNRXmU/XCp3sNprqYI/AAAAAAAAIo8/HtvPUnQ-G7UEiHyRO9xe6cxbTFoX7fC6ACLcBGAs/s640/20181218_082759_001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />The first few days were spent cuddling, feeding and getting to know one another. Harry is such a good baby, he only cries when he wants his food or when we change his nappy. The rest of the time he is fairly content. He loves to be cuddled, but will equally be happy to be popped in his mosses basket for a snooze.<i> I'm hoping I'm not jinxing this by writing it down!</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLi8AQODVgg/XCp6hm8CwTI/AAAAAAAAIp4/MyTO9kv2bv8rT4yLVbZVCMjqz2-CZ9bowCLcBGAs/s1600/20181228_115507_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLi8AQODVgg/XCp6hm8CwTI/AAAAAAAAIp4/MyTO9kv2bv8rT4yLVbZVCMjqz2-CZ9bowCLcBGAs/s640/20181228_115507_001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZfm2JUMWpk/XCp6t98z_oI/AAAAAAAAIp8/f3Qt__jFPdYBs48yruOr5fl9hYbdu7J0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20181224_153858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SZfm2JUMWpk/XCp6t98z_oI/AAAAAAAAIp8/f3Qt__jFPdYBs48yruOr5fl9hYbdu7J0QCLcBGAs/s640/20181224_153858.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiUhzYp0D84/XCp7s1sX5QI/AAAAAAAAIqM/9Gc-Wmm-uD09e1Tt2BgqNi0ENt8gTbhkACLcBGAs/s1600/20181224_152600_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiUhzYp0D84/XCp7s1sX5QI/AAAAAAAAIqM/9Gc-Wmm-uD09e1Tt2BgqNi0ENt8gTbhkACLcBGAs/s640/20181224_152600_001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />We had lots of visitors and Harry enjoyed plenty of cuddles. He has been thoroughly spoilt by our family and friends with so many gorgeous presents. <i>I just need to find time to put them all away now</i>!<br /><br />We rushed out to buy him some Christmas outfits and gifts as I couldn't bare the thought of not having anything for him, even if he doesn't know anything about it! We wrote him a special card which we will pop in his memory box.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPYvJEV-o3c/XCp4QsfG6_I/AAAAAAAAIpE/IE-l888Epzg7vVsbjP7HcuFQlpnfRxcEACLcBGAs/s1600/20181225_123549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPYvJEV-o3c/XCp4QsfG6_I/AAAAAAAAIpE/IE-l888Epzg7vVsbjP7HcuFQlpnfRxcEACLcBGAs/s640/20181225_123549.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwgHoBNqiOE/XCp4ywIGqMI/AAAAAAAAIpM/bFPrGwcTbvQbrE6FQehLZQ9j33ZLsM8yACLcBGAs/s1600/20181224_114520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwgHoBNqiOE/XCp4ywIGqMI/AAAAAAAAIpM/bFPrGwcTbvQbrE6FQehLZQ9j33ZLsM8yACLcBGAs/s640/20181224_114520.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQmmhMSKWeM/XCp43GHpmxI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/IhVr4mSc-BoUcDUBU9O8TwW9lkT82pJWACLcBGAs/s1600/20181222_095802_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQmmhMSKWeM/XCp43GHpmxI/AAAAAAAAIpQ/IhVr4mSc-BoUcDUBU9O8TwW9lkT82pJWACLcBGAs/s640/20181222_095802_001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;We spent our first Christmas just the 3 of us due to my family being ill. We had dinner, opened his presents and watched films. I took too many photo's, that I'm sure he will see when he's older!<br /><br />We also braved our first proper family outing, we had walked to the local shop already, but this time we ventured further and took him for a proper walk as it was a very mild Sunday afternoon. We even managed to have cake and hot chocolate which was a nice bonus!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElI5FJq8wQw/XCp52bikQ-I/AAAAAAAAIpk/XkIfnUY8lDEjXHnjLbsvAqzBaXAhr3AVgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181230_145811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElI5FJq8wQw/XCp52bikQ-I/AAAAAAAAIpk/XkIfnUY8lDEjXHnjLbsvAqzBaXAhr3AVgCLcBGAs/s640/20181230_145811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXjtydrykv8/XCp558HJanI/AAAAAAAAIpo/81BTeVih6aYGSoip30ZkDsFXop-vuDWCgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181230_145832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXjtydrykv8/XCp558HJanI/AAAAAAAAIpo/81BTeVih6aYGSoip30ZkDsFXop-vuDWCgCLcBGAs/s640/20181230_145832.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGJ4M306_8k/XCp51bL6W6I/AAAAAAAAIpg/1P81EXTTwpomuUzO2nCl24WJ5YkOXUdhgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181230_145449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGJ4M306_8k/XCp51bL6W6I/AAAAAAAAIpg/1P81EXTTwpomuUzO2nCl24WJ5YkOXUdhgCLcBGAs/s640/20181230_145449.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />This New Year's Eve we spent it at home with our family. We chatted and watched TV in our comfy clothes, how times have changed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4FpmLWohiM/XCte2Fqk5EI/AAAAAAAAIqk/dAwGJ3v1aPwNJZCSfv4l4Fo5gzRwmpjSACLcBGAs/s1600/20181231_203015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4FpmLWohiM/XCte2Fqk5EI/AAAAAAAAIqk/dAwGJ3v1aPwNJZCSfv4l4Fo5gzRwmpjSACLcBGAs/s640/20181231_203015.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07iR-IDPBSc/XCta_THymwI/AAAAAAAAIqY/9pq7J9kwqXUABOHxVmyMKdT7BuS53qUTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181231_231100_241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07iR-IDPBSc/XCta_THymwI/AAAAAAAAIqY/9pq7J9kwqXUABOHxVmyMKdT7BuS53qUTACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20181231_231100_241.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here is to 2019, the year of making memories as a family.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Happy New Year from my family to yours.</i></div><i></i><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-60687114458618682752018-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:002019-01-01T05:24:03.127-08:00Our Birth Story <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfdCVWZ7iWI/XCJnoRxPyCI/AAAAAAAAIn8/hgGL1NShJkYXUgCK0C_KPwJIyim-V_4tQCLcBGAs/s1600/harry%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="659" height="624" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfdCVWZ7iWI/XCJnoRxPyCI/AAAAAAAAIn8/hgGL1NShJkYXUgCK0C_KPwJIyim-V_4tQCLcBGAs/s640/harry%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />My Birth story is a little different to how I expected things to go, which is why I wanted to share it. I had been preparing myself for labour, and reading blogs and birth stories online, so I had an idea in my head of what I expected labour to be like. Well let me say, I clearly had no clue!<br /><br />To start from the beginning, it was Saturday 15th December, and I had been having some stomach pains at around 5am. They were just little cramps and I thought I might have eaten something that hadn't agreed with me. I have to say at this point I am only 36 weeks + 6days pregnant. We carried on with our day as planned, cleaning the house, trip to Tesco to get some food in and I was having my friends come round that evening for a bite to eat and a catch up.<br /><br />It was getting later in the day and at around 5ish the pain was getting worse, I was convinced maybe I was having Braxton Hicks, or it was still an upset stomach so I didn't think much more about it. Stephen was going out with his brother and dad, but had decided not to have a drink 'just in case'. I made the food ready for my friends arrival and got myself ready.<br /><br />The pains were starting to get a little worse whilst my friends were here, but I had no other signs of labour that I had read all about, no signs of a show, no waters breaking. Again, I thought maybe they were Braxton hicks. It got to around 9:30pm and I started to think something was wrong, and I couldn't get off of the toilet. I called Stephen to come home and he rang up the labour ward to tell them what was going on, I'd still not had a show, or any waters breaking, I hadn't even bothered to time the 'pains' as I truly thought that they weren't contractions.The midwife told us to bring our bags and make our way to the ward, this was a bit of a task as I still had bits that weren't even packed! My poor husband and friends had to pack the rest of the things into my hospital bag, whilst I sat on the toilet breathing through the pain.<br /><br />Some how we managed to make it to the labour ward for 11pm. I was taken to the Lavender Room of the Birth Sanctuary it was a dimly lit room, filled with fairy lights and the radio was playing in the background. Due to not knowing what was going on, I was put onto a monitor to check on baby and contractions. It still hadn't hit me that I would be meeting my baby soon, and I was sure that I would be sent home.<br /><br />After being on the monitor for a while and everything looking good the midwife asked if I would like to be checked to see how far dilated I was. She explained that it took a while to start to dilate and not to be disappointed if it was only 1/2cm.. well I actually turned out to be 6cm dilated already! I had gotten this far at home, breathing through the pain and chatting to my friends.<br /><br />My midwife asked if I would like the pool filling up which I said yes too. The water definitely helped to ease the contractions. I hadn't had time for any pain relief up until now so asked for gas and air, which unfortunately I hated, as it made me heave with each use, despite being given peppermint to smell. Instead I mainly used it to bite down on.<br /><br />I was in the pool for a couple of hours, when I felt the overwhelming urge to push. I was worried that I wasn't dilated enough as it was so soon after being checked, but I was told to go with it. This is where the labour got a bit chaotic, everything had been progressing fine, but suddenly Baby's heart rate dropped and I had to get out of the pool quickly to be monitored.<br /><br />The emergency buzzer was pulled and the room was suddenly full of midwives and doctors. I'll be honest and say the rest was a blur of being told to push and that we needed to get him out quickly. I was frightened and wanted him to be safe.&nbsp; Two failed cannula attempts, and an episiotomy later my gorgeous son Harry was born at 37 weeks, weighing a mere 4lb 13oz, my tiny, perfect, bundle of joy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MItzuEmrc6U/XCPp02BlgJI/AAAAAAAAIoI/WGmF4I-q7z81-U-94glBLehWk34Qs40rgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181216_041640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MItzuEmrc6U/XCPp02BlgJI/AAAAAAAAIoI/WGmF4I-q7z81-U-94glBLehWk34Qs40rgCLcBGAs/s640/20181216_041640.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51zHDiPWuQY/XCPqIpSGvEI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/mPaW0v9jvYs7591rYrylF1XPAv2BEWPjgCLcBGAs/s1600/20181216_071243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51zHDiPWuQY/XCPqIpSGvEI/AAAAAAAAIoQ/mPaW0v9jvYs7591rYrylF1XPAv2BEWPjgCLcBGAs/s640/20181216_071243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrBxk-46nGE/XCPqgp8rGXI/AAAAAAAAIoY/Oh3fz9O_QwAaPiq3TcKcedDMznyZc7OMQCLcBGAs/s1600/20181222_093534_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrBxk-46nGE/XCPqgp8rGXI/AAAAAAAAIoY/Oh3fz9O_QwAaPiq3TcKcedDMznyZc7OMQCLcBGAs/s640/20181222_093534_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-36998338577953669502018-12-10T12:53:00.001-08:002018-12-10T12:53:33.142-08:00What's in my Baby's Hopital Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-b5O8r1VWk/XA2M0Q2ILCI/AAAAAAAAImE/KWy2hH8TzYI579ITcwE4f3uy4Mi27rOIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-b5O8r1VWk/XA2M0Q2ILCI/AAAAAAAAImE/KWy2hH8TzYI579ITcwE4f3uy4Mi27rOIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8872.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />With my due date fast approaching, and gently being reminded by my midwife that baby could come any time after 37 weeks (that's just under a week!) I decided it was time to get a wriggle on and pack Baby's bag.<br /><br />I am planning to have my baby at our Midwifery led unit, and have only packed our bag for a couple of night's stay. This is my first baby, so I am a little unsure of whether or not this is too much to take, or too little, but I have been watching plenty of videos and reading check lists to get an idea of what should be in the bag. If there is too much then my Husband can simply take some of&nbsp; it back to the car, like wise, I will be leaving a pile of 'essentials' at home, so he can grab them if we need to stay in longer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2weK6HBqNg/XAkK1VZg-eI/AAAAAAAAIlk/JFcpMnqdwW0Tt8tCSKEUIu4mFErAm7c0gCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bbag.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="349" height="69" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2weK6HBqNg/XAkK1VZg-eI/AAAAAAAAIlk/JFcpMnqdwW0Tt8tCSKEUIu4mFErAm7c0gCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Bbag.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><b></b><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3CnnuC64Y/XA2NNaIVb2I/AAAAAAAAImM/T9XyzxMdsUYQHDe0Y4LrMNBbSA3J_ZC9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3CnnuC64Y/XA2NNaIVb2I/AAAAAAAAImM/T9XyzxMdsUYQHDe0Y4LrMNBbSA3J_ZC9QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />First up is the bag itself, I picked up two of these <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8356419" target="_blank">Grey Holdalls</a>, one for me and one for baby. They come with a handle and wheels which will make it easier for us to transport them once baby has arrived. I have seen most women take Baby's changing bag as their hospital bag, however, I've asked for mine as a Christmas gift from my parents, and therefore didn't want to leave it that late for it to be packed, as I'm due just 12 days after Christmas!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBMKskS7JpQ/XAkLF4FG52I/AAAAAAAAIls/rmM7FZH5oS8XqoLYGLHWVgQ4oK0iFH6aQCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bessentials.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="335" height="72" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rBMKskS7JpQ/XAkLF4FG52I/AAAAAAAAIls/rmM7FZH5oS8XqoLYGLHWVgQ4oK0iFH6aQCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Bessentials.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>The Car seat</b> is the number one essential. We have been buying lots of big items recently so didn't see the point in fitting it until those had been purchased, but it is on this weekends 'must do' list. The hospital won't let you leave without this, so it is definitely a must have in the car!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We have the Silver Cross seat, that matches our Silver Cross Wayfarer Chelsea pram and pushchair. We also have the matching isofix base, so it makes a full travel system.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>The Notes,</b> these are just as, if not more important, than the car seat. I still have a couple of midwife appointments yet so these aren't in my bag at the moment, but they are easy to grab should I need to.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Nappies &amp; Nappy sacks.</b> I am preparing myself for those first meconium poo's that everyone talks about! I've packed Aldi's Mamia Size 1 nappies, as I've heard so many good things about them, and they come nice and compact making them easy to pack. I've also packed Nappy Sacks, I'm not sure if these are an essential, but I thought it's best to take them just in case.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Wipes &amp; Cotton Wool.</b> I've packed a combination of wipes and cotton wool as I've heard some hospitals prefer if you use cotton wool over wipes, but I've also read that wipes are much easier to use when cleaning those first nappies. I got this pack of Pure Wipes in my Labour pack, so have decided to pop these in his bag.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Bottles &amp; Formula.</b> Although I am planning on breast feeding, I have packed these as 'just in case' items. Better to have a happy fed baby, and I don't think formula is provided anymore (I could be wrong).</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTDan-LBWzw/XA2NwuKtpDI/AAAAAAAAImY/NFFgjusdotoFvR-IPV6p6smBd7VZo_2bwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTDan-LBWzw/XA2NwuKtpDI/AAAAAAAAImY/NFFgjusdotoFvR-IPV6p6smBd7VZo_2bwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLjkvQtRsgo/XAkLTEL_NLI/AAAAAAAAIlw/QeeuyXm-Dq07AXtbXWElU9B7sQ1L_BwAwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bclothes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="71" data-original-width="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NLjkvQtRsgo/XAkLTEL_NLI/AAAAAAAAIlw/QeeuyXm-Dq07AXtbXWElU9B7sQ1L_BwAwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bclothes.png" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idlir3HMzuQ/XA2O1C6Nt6I/AAAAAAAAImk/gnchpxgT_aAWnhcLdkPC7p_r8CX7YRxOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Idlir3HMzuQ/XA2O1C6Nt6I/AAAAAAAAImk/gnchpxgT_aAWnhcLdkPC7p_r8CX7YRxOgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Possibly my favourite part of packing Baby Hart's bag, his clothing! As we have no idea how big he is going to be I have packed both New Born, First size and Up to 1 month clothes. I've sorted them into little outfits with their vests etc. and labelled them in sandwich bags so that it is easier for us to grab them out of the bag.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPIJY4klIdE/XA2dvpzF8RI/AAAAAAAAInQ/MFsbWYqgqbo8sNnmy2V7zu2URDSRxvtggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPIJY4klIdE/XA2dvpzF8RI/AAAAAAAAInQ/MFsbWYqgqbo8sNnmy2V7zu2URDSRxvtggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">A hat is extremely important and I will be putting this at the top of the bags so it is easy to grab. I'm having my baby in January (provided he doesn't decide to show up a little earlier) and it is definitely going to be cold! So I've packed mittens, socks and long sleeve vests for our first car journey home. I'll also be taking a snow suit as a just in case item too.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59ik4foWe_s/XA2Yem67SXI/AAAAAAAAImw/qsPYtAC5YWAgrSoowXjVn-QjT2VxQu5ggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59ik4foWe_s/XA2Yem67SXI/AAAAAAAAImw/qsPYtAC5YWAgrSoowXjVn-QjT2VxQu5ggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">I've packed a couple of bibs and muslin cloths, I'm not sure if these will be used but it's nice to have them on hand.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby Towel.</b> These may be provided at our hospital, but I have packed one of these hooded baby towels in the off chance it is needed.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b></b><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Cellular Blanket</b>. I have a gorgeous Beige and grey striped cellular blanket from Asda which will be used to swaddle him, and also cover him up in his car seat for our travel home.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Teddy Bear.</b> Not at all an essential, but I thought it would be nice to take along his first teddy bear.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_BeLmtPLYg/XA2be8pBnbI/AAAAAAAAIm8/3M2dyvPX10gEf0cEGJX-O__B_1-bwlFLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_BeLmtPLYg/XA2be8pBnbI/AAAAAAAAIm8/3M2dyvPX10gEf0cEGJX-O__B_1-bwlFLACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8875.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5CWntnj2DE/XA2dUoW1dTI/AAAAAAAAInI/PyiPEdo9cLAdydXYG7UV3h3DRzyoTXIngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k5CWntnj2DE/XA2dUoW1dTI/AAAAAAAAInI/PyiPEdo9cLAdydXYG7UV3h3DRzyoTXIngCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8887.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So there is my Little One's bag, is there anything you think I have missed?</i></div>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-61580614025063217912018-12-03T11:00:00.002-08:002018-12-03T11:00:33.073-08:00The Third Trimester | Weeks 28-34<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EyLT68jXWZk/XARTtFEWTCI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/HwxLnPBpv44BkiTaxsH6OOdgPveZ9dL0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EyLT68jXWZk/XARTtFEWTCI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/HwxLnPBpv44BkiTaxsH6OOdgPveZ9dL0ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 28</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of an Aubergine.</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We have made it to the third trimester! This week I had my 28 week midwife check up. I had my bloods taken this week which is always my least favourite part of the appointment. We&nbsp; also listened to baby's heartbeat, which I think is his least favourite part, as he always gives a good kick when the monitor is put on my tummy! The midwife had a little feel of my tummy to see whereabouts baby was, but he is still free at the minute. I will be certain to try and change that ahead of my next appointment!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">In terms of home preparation we have a fully built wardrobe! I have started to put some of his little outfits in (though they still need to be washed!) <i>I can't help but keep popping in for a peek at it.</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>My app is telling me that Baby is now dreaming</i>, which really intrigued me as what could they possibly dream about?!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 29</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Butternut Squash.</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b></b><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Week 29 started with my glucose test, it was something I had been dreading, but actually it wasn't that bad. The worst part was having to wait 2 hours on my own! I had my blood taken, drank my drink and waited the 2 hours until my next set of bloods. The most torturous part is the waiting area is right by the Café, which when you've been fasting for 12 hours is not good!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">This week symptom wise, I've been waking up in the middle of the night with terrible cramp, if anyone has any ideas on how to ease/avoid this please send them my way.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Another symptom I have been plagued with is forgetfulness! I've heard the phrase 'baby brain' said in jest before, but that stuff is actually <b>very</b> real and <b><u>very</u></b> frustrating! I seriously think some days that my brain has left my body and gone on vacation. Please tell me it comes back? I'm not sure how I will get on without it aha.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHzy2GhErHY/XAN85egjT5I/AAAAAAAAIlE/F_lTcS7z8QEP6cjMR_RIAUqewX0Conm4ACLcBGAs/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHzy2GhErHY/XAN85egjT5I/AAAAAAAAIlE/F_lTcS7z8QEP6cjMR_RIAUqewX0Conm4ACLcBGAs/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">We<span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">ek 31</span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Pineapple!</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b></b><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">I can say I am at that stage in pregnancy where if I drop something on the floor, I contemplate whether I can get away with leaving it!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i></i><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><i>My app is telling me that this week Baby's brain is working very hard to develop it's 5 senses.</i> I'm glad someone's brain is working hard, as mine is still sunning it up on an island somewhere..</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><i></i><i></i><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">I had another midwife appointment this week, they seem to be coming thick and fast now, all is still ticking along nicely and Baby is now<b> head down!</b> Which is both extremely exciting, but also very nerve wrecking as it makes it all the more real that very soon I will have to give birth to this little human that I've been stowing away in my tummy.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">The nursery is taking shape and we now have a huge set of drawers built and neatly organised with all of Baby's essentials. I'm starting to feel a little less flustered now that everything is coming together, and I'm feeling a tad more organised..just a tad though! I still have a list as long as my arm to get through.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 32</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Squash.</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Acid Reflux is all I have to say this week..actually add clumsiness to the mix too. I've managed to smash a plate and a bowl this week. Roll on two weeks time when I break up from work, I'm hoping that some much needed R&amp;R will restore me!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I've got well and truly stuck in to Christmas prep this week, as I don't like busy high streets at the best of times, never mind when heavily pregnant. I think I am about half way through the present buying and hope that I can get it all done before I finish for my Mat leave.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>My app is telling me that all of his major organs are fully developed now, except for his lungs. He now has regular sleep wake cycles, and is practicing kicking, sucking and breathing.</i> Every week I am astounded at how much he is developing and that in 8 short weeks (fingers crossed) we will get to meet him.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qeRIvnv7zA/XART-Cm487I/AAAAAAAAIlY/AtY5B4YmGSwgTkjI8tScGymiJF4fb9KNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1600" height="522" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0qeRIvnv7zA/XART-Cm487I/AAAAAAAAIlY/AtY5B4YmGSwgTkjI8tScGymiJF4fb9KNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 33</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Baby is the size of a Honeydew Melon.</span></b><br /><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">This week we managed to find a chair for the nursery at last! It was from Aldi of all places, and an absolute bargain. The room is really starting to take shape and is fast becoming my favourite room in the whole house. I like to just sit in there and admire all of our hard work, I say our, my husband's built most of it! I just passed the tools..</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">This week the tiredness has crept back in, I don't know if it's a combination of trying to get everything finished at work ready for when I break up, and the fact that I don't sleep well thanks to my bladder's alarm call in the early hours of every morning! Either way, don't expect to see me after 8:30pm as I'm usually asleep on the sofa!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 34</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe.</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>My app tells me that baby is now around 5lbs and growing nicely, they have finger nails and sleep with their eyes closed.</i></span><br /><i></i><br /><span style="background-color: white;">This week marked the end of work, and I have officially broken up for maternity leave! It feels so&nbsp; strange to not be going back now until next November, but I am excited to get started on all the jobs I've been putting off (to be fair in the week I'm asleep by 8:30!) We were absolutely spoilt rotten by my work colleagues and I can't thank them enough for all of our beautiful gifts. I've just spent some time faffing in the nursery putting them all away.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Another exciting thing that happened this week is that our cot has been delivered! It's the last large piece of furniture for the nursery and I'm itching to get it set up so that I can put the finishing touches into the room.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbhticrFj9E/XAFny9SjtjI/AAAAAAAAIkE/9dTuDgtNXa4n0QFU3uOsK99oc9Nt4kDXACLcBGAs/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbhticrFj9E/XAFny9SjtjI/AAAAAAAAIkE/9dTuDgtNXa4n0QFU3uOsK99oc9Nt4kDXACLcBGAs/s640/025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;">Fancy reading more of my pregnancy journey?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/07/were-having-baby.html" target="_blank">The Announcement&nbsp;</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/07/the-first-trimester.html" target="_blank">The First Trimester</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/09/our-pregnancy-diary-weeks-16-20-and.html" target="_blank">Weeks 16 - 20</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/10/our-pregnancy-diary-weeks-22-27.html" target="_blank">Weeks 22 - 27</a>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-16246543514412500242018-11-18T08:42:00.000-08:002018-11-18T08:42:06.799-08:00The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2018<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peHlZ6P2lHc/W_GPkhDgWwI/AAAAAAAAIjY/B-vkf03ujLoFCCH85c_IFvSrUvkt_gk1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peHlZ6P2lHc/W_GPkhDgWwI/AAAAAAAAIjY/B-vkf03ujLoFCCH85c_IFvSrUvkt_gk1gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It only seems 5 minutes ago that I was writing up last years' ultimate gift guide. This year has flown by, and I've decided to put this post together earlier than last year as I find people like to get organised much sooner! This year we too have to get more organised, as just a couple of weeks after Christmas our first baby is due.. if he doesn't decide to make an early Christmas exit that is!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Without further rambling, here is 2018's Ultimate Gift Guide</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #001000;"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #001000;"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;">[THE COMFORT SEEKER]</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">-These <a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/women/nightwear-slippers/pink-satin-button-up-pyjamas/GEM648624,default,pd.html" target="_blank">Satin Pink Pj's </a>are the best gift for luxurious lounging</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">- Adorable<a href="https://www.asos.com/loungeable/loungeable-penguin-with-bobble-hat-slipper/prd/10298494?clr=grey&amp;SearchQuery=womens%20slippers&amp;gridcolumn=3&amp;gridrow=3&amp;gridsize=4&amp;pge=1&amp;pgesize=72&amp;totalstyles=124" target="_blank"> penguin slippers</a>, the cutest way to keep their feet warm this winter</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">- Keep them extra cosy with this luxurious<a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/autumn-winter-collections/sainsburys-home-urban-escape-faux-fur-grey-throw-125x200cm-133843141-p" target="_blank"> Pom Pom Throw</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">-No comfort seeker is complete without a nice hot drink, this <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/christmas-gifts/gift-type/all-gifts/cocoa-creations-hot-chocolate-gift-set-339820.html?cgid=all-gifts#start=10" target="_blank">Hot Chocolate Set</a> will set them up for the night</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #001000;"><span style="background-color: white;">- A cosy <a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Tinsel-Yarn-Socks/p/TSCSK?swatch=Pale+Grey+Marl" target="_blank">Pair of Socks</a> to keep their toes warm all winter</span></span><br /><span style="color: #001000;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #001000;"></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;">[THE HOME MAKER]</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">- This gorgeous <a href="https://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2664005_c000/warm-amber-fig-scented-candle-19cm-x-14cm-cream" target="_blank">glass dome candle </a>will give their home a warm glow all winter</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">- The perfect way to help them get organised for the year ahead with this <a href="https://www.next.co.uk/style/st287405#551071" target="_blank">adorable calendar</a></span><br /><br />- This<a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/home-garden/tableware/marble-and-copper-effect-cutlery-set-16-piece/050460500,default,pd.html" target="_blank"> Marble and Copper cutlery set</a> is sure to wow their dinner guests<br /><br />- Everyone loves a <a href="https://www.riverisland.com/p/paladone-peg-board-728559" target="_blank">Peg Board</a>, and this one's lettering is dreamy<br /><br />- A <a href="https://www.sophieallport.com/uk/woodland-scene-jug" target="_blank">Woodland Jug</a>, for either serving up afternoon tea or holding a dainty bunch of flowers.<br /><br />-A stunning <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/life-in-pictures-photo-album?category=new-home&amp;color=004" target="_blank">Coffee Table Photo Album</a> to display their favourite family photos<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksnc_j4u9dg/W_GQDk-EmXI/AAAAAAAAIjg/N6smNBQhFukRrSy8_d-geiDQ_zbqtppwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksnc_j4u9dg/W_GQDk-EmXI/AAAAAAAAIjg/N6smNBQhFukRrSy8_d-geiDQ_zbqtppwQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">[THE FOODIE]</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">- For the baker in the family, this <a href="https://www.lakeland.co.uk/61029/Baking-Topper-Assortment" target="_blank">Assortment of Toppings</a> is sure to get them cooking up a festive treat</span><br /><br />- These stunning <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/dorina-measuring-cups-set-of-4?category=kitchen-dining-entertaining&amp;color=010" target="_blank">Measuring Cups</a> will come in handy, and look beautiful in their kitchen<br /><br />- <a href="https://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/a-merry-little-christmas-hamper.html#start=16" target="_blank">This Hamper</a> is a chocolate lovers dream<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">[THE GINTHUSIAST]</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">- An <a href="https://www.next.co.uk/style/st288190#582014" target="_blank">alternative gift</a> that will help to keep the Gin lover keep organised!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">- The perfect way to help them<a href="https://www.next.co.uk/g12504s6#336154" target="_blank"> serve up</a> their favourite tipple</span><br /><br />- For an extravagant present, give the gift of gin every day in the run up to Christmas with this <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/edinburgh-gin-advent-calendar-25x-5cl/p3609080" target="_blank">Advent Calendar</a><br /><br />- Make a day of it and take them to <a href="https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/the-bombay-sapphire-distillery-self-discovery-tour-with-gin-cocktail-for-two?opti_ca=903690710&amp;opti_ag=54750108917&amp;opti_ad=267453214037&amp;opti_key=pla-457681687627&amp;utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl4DdrODZ3gIV2eJ3Ch1cHQxUEAQYASABEgI11fD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">A Gin Experience</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #000032;">- Let their love of gin be known with this adorable <a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/haveagander/product/let-the-evening-be-gin-a4-print" target="_blank">Home Sign</a></span><br /><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XCKPIEqCDw/W_GQaWH_miI/AAAAAAAAIjs/J0Btzu2gKfIsRcwlGaVoCDMIZlU-HjORQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XCKPIEqCDw/W_GQaWH_miI/AAAAAAAAIjs/J0Btzu2gKfIsRcwlGaVoCDMIZlU-HjORQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span><span style="color: #000032;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">[THE BEAUTY LOVER]</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">-This gorgeous<a href="https://www.boots.com/gift/by-recipient/her/ted-baker-stately-collection-10246780" target="_blank"> Ted Baker set</a> has everything they'll need for their Christmas party look</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">- A cute<a href="https://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_130901579099_-1" target="_blank"> Cracker </a>filled with mini make-up must haves!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">- Treat them to a holiday glow with this <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/charlotte-tilbury-bar-of-gold-trio-makeup-gift-set/p3795364" target="_blank">Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold set</a></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">- Spoil the lipstick lover for choice, with this <a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Shop-All-Gifts/Revolution-Retro-Luxe-Lip-Vault/p/766081" target="_blank">Revolution Luxe Lip Vault</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;">- After all the festive partying give their skin some love with this <a href="https://www.boots.com/no7-5-steps-to-radiance-10249161" target="_blank">No7 Radiance Set</a></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmUj0coRXVA/W_GSizfGmtI/AAAAAAAAIj4/OVxIQ6iwK7kbJnLz7ewHbv_7P2Za8Pr_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmUj0coRXVA/W_GSizfGmtI/AAAAAAAAIj4/OVxIQ6iwK7kbJnLz7ewHbv_7P2Za8Pr_QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;;"><br /></span></div><u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I hope that this little guide has given you some present inspiration for the loved ones in your life, or perhaps a cheeky treat for yourself!&nbsp; Is there something in particular on your list this year?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-60312838117662191742018-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:002018-10-20T11:02:42.680-07:00Our Pregnancy Diary | Weeks 22-27<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPCEKzM8ouc/W8s6KuG1iyI/AAAAAAAAIis/YFbkmB0ZYhkyUHlXnsBDIPf0UB3Trsa5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPCEKzM8ouc/W8s6KuG1iyI/AAAAAAAAIis/YFbkmB0ZYhkyUHlXnsBDIPf0UB3Trsa5QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 22</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Papaya</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Week 22 of pregnancy has been a pretty intense one. We have been travelling all around Scotland, our last holiday before Baby is due! I hadn't really anticipated just how much pregnancy would affect me during travel, I expected that I would be tired, as that has been my main symptom through out this pregnancy so far. However, I found all the walking and long days quite difficult, and towards the end of the week I started to struggle. That's not to say though that the trip wasn't incredible, I would do it all again in a heartbeat, just that I didn't anticipate that I would find it<i> that</i> difficult! I am now in rest mode and relaxing again.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Baby has been moving so much this past week and it's incredible to feel, my app is telling me that he can now perceive light, hear my heart beat and my stomach gurgle. My bump is definitely coming along too, and has really popped out these past couple of weeks (not sure if its partly due to all the delicious food&nbsp; we've been trying though!)</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Now that we are back from our last holiday, I am in full on baby prep mode. I'm writing out a list of things left to buy, things I want to do and also all the jobs we need to finish in the house too. I have a book full of lists and I'm trying hard not to get overwhelmed!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 23</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Mango</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Week 23 was all about getting organised. I have been sitting cross legged on the floor in the mornings to get ready, at a coffee table we accidently bought instead of a TV stand... Long story! It wasn't practical at the best of times, but even less so now that I am over half way through this pregnancy. It was time to build my desk that has been gathering dust in our hallway. We popped out to Ikea to get a chair to match, so I can now get ready in comfort, and not have pins and needles every time I get back up!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We also made our first big purchase, the pram! It was such a difficult decision, there's just so many on the market, all with varying features I liked and didn't like. In the end we had narrowed it down to two choices and after spying that Mothercare had a sale on, we popped to our nearest store to have a look. We tried out both, and umm'd and ahh'd&nbsp; over them for a while before settling on the one we both thought would suit us the most.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We ended up choosing the<a href="https://www.mothercare.com/prams-and-pushchairs/silver-cross-wayfarer-chelsea-exclusive-to-mothercare/883607.html?cgid=prams_pushchairs#start=3" target="_blank"> Silver Cross Wayfarer Chelsea</a> It pushed like a dream, folded down with ease and the handle extended high enough for my 6'4 husband! We also purchased the matching car seat and isofix base, which meant that two huge purchases were ticked off our list in one fell swoop.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8nGABd_-aQ/W8s6hhat0UI/AAAAAAAAIi0/NL81GfRQ7TQcMPACMWw8111gIRifDzPugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8nGABd_-aQ/W8s6hhat0UI/AAAAAAAAIi0/NL81GfRQ7TQcMPACMWw8111gIRifDzPugCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><u><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #000120;"></span></u><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 24</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of an Ear of Corn</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">This week was my first week back at work after 16 glorious days off. I can't describe the tiredness of getting up at 5:30am again, and two nights I fell asleep at 8:30pm! I'm not sure if that's pregnancy or just because I've been so busy, either way, I was ready for a lie in by the time Saturday rolled round.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">We built our moses basket this week, which took us longer than we thought! Who would have thought that putting the base together would be more complicated than any Ikea flat pack we have done! It looks so sweet sat by our bed, and it's surreal to think that in a few short months we'll have a little baby in there!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 25</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Cauliflower</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Wow, a cauliflower! No wonder I can feel him wiggling and jiggling about in my belly. This week we had our 25 week check up with the Midwife, everything is looking good still. I had my bump measured for the first time and I am measuring spot on for how many weeks I am, which is good to know as a few people have said that I'm not showing much (personally I feel huge!) Little one was being a trouble maker when we were trying to listen to his heartbeat, he kept kicking away whenever the device was put on my tummy. We did eventually manage to get a quick listen when he had taken a break from moving!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">It was pay day this week, and I've started to focus on getting a few more practical items, such as things for the hospital bag and things that I will need for me after birth too. I of course bought another outfit from next as well, they have some adorable baby things in at the moment and I was too perilous to resist! I did get size 3-6 months as a means of justification, as most of his clothes so far are up to 1 month and up to 3 months.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">I'm also trying to throw myself into getting a little more organised, as before I know it I will be starting my maternity leave, I am on the 8 week countdown! Which also means I have 3 more pay days until I move onto my maternity pay, and Christmas is included in those pay days! So I am trying to get organised for that too. I plan to share a few blog posts on what I've been doing to organise myself for baby's arrival, and also will be sharing what I'm packing in both our hospital bags. I've been watching endless videos, and reading blog posts, so have collated lots of ideas on what I personally want to pack. I just need to get buying it all!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I'm currently lay on the sofa, with a blanket and cup of tea whilst I write up this weeks pregnancy diary. We've had an early morning as we both had eye tests, which we followed up with a spot of breakfast. We then spent the rest of the morning, up until 1pm weeding, mowing and tidying up our garden, who was looking a little one the wild side! Now I'm lapping up a few hours of relaxation before we head out for my Husband and my Brother's joint belated Birthday meal. Happy weekend!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Candl-HicRc/W8s60kP2rnI/AAAAAAAAIi8/afUQqgb0ERknv4bSIwuc_gQFjujLNUqSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Candl-HicRc/W8s60kP2rnI/AAAAAAAAIi8/afUQqgb0ERknv4bSIwuc_gQFjujLNUqSQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 26</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Baby is the size of a Lettuce</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;">This week baby weighs around 2lb! He certainly is growing, and all of his movements are much stronger! In fact other people have now been able to see my tummy move under my clothes, I love when he wiggles about to get comfy. I have noticed though, that on occasion he likes to lie very low, making it feel like I constantly need to wee and it's also a bit more difficult to walk!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">I was shocked to notice that this week I have started to produce the first bit of colostrum. I'm not going to lie, this completely took me by surprise as I thought it was something that only begins nearer to the end of the pregnancy. However, after some googling and checking with a friend, it is totally normal. I had just never heard anyone mention it before.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">I'm still very much loving Hot Peri Peri sauce with most of my meals, and the occasional sour sweet- though I've tried to cut down on these!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVa4nk4U44E/W8s7EgncnGI/AAAAAAAAIjA/0Njn-_3yCnEnf1ylCwhurIZxWObIRmSEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVa4nk4U44E/W8s7EgncnGI/AAAAAAAAIjA/0Njn-_3yCnEnf1ylCwhurIZxWObIRmSEgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 27</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><b></b><b></b><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Week 27 has flown by in the blink of an eye. I don't have too much to report from this week really, everything is ticking a long as it has been. We finally cleared out the nursery ready to get decorating, which I cannot wait to do! I have a few ideas of how I want it to look, but first we need to gloss the skirting boards, and get the bigger pieces of furniture in place. Then let the faffing commence!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I have my next midwife appointment next week, so I am looking forward to that, and hoping for another a quick week.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i>On to the third trimester!</i></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-48723114497358173302018-09-12T11:10:00.000-07:002018-09-12T11:10:02.864-07:00Our Pregnancy Diary | Weeks 16-20 and Gender Reveal!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cq0aVLacpg/W5jnfVLKWjI/AAAAAAAAIh0/2WV1pNfppGUs7ZdnbBpKzHod46siP2J0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8708%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cq0aVLacpg/W5jnfVLKWjI/AAAAAAAAIh0/2WV1pNfppGUs7ZdnbBpKzHod46siP2J0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8708%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 16</span><br /><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /><b>Baby is the size of an Avocado</b><br /><b></b><br />Week 16 has been the most exciting week! We had our second midwife appointment mid-week, where we got to hear our little babes heartbeat for the first time. It was such a special moment that I won't ever forget. We went through my various blood results and booked me in for my next appointment at 25 weeks, which at the minute seems so far away.<br /><br />We then had our private gender scan booked for the Saturday at 10am. Our little squidge has a habit of turning their back to us whenever we have a scan, so we can't get a good look! When we first went in and started the scan they were in the exact same position, and I thought oh no we're not going to be able to find out! Luckily after turning on my side for a few minutes baby decided to move and we got a very good look at HIM. If you follow me on other social media platforms you will have already seen, but our gorgeous little one is a beautiful Baby Boy! We even got to see him briefly in 4D which was incredible, he was still being shy though and had his hands up to his face. There's something so nice about finally being able to call baby Him, instead of it!<br /><br />I had been holding off doing any shopping until this point, one because I wanted to wait and make sure everything was progressing as it should, and two I wanted to know what section to shop in!! I will admit though, I'm not a huge fan of just blue for boys, pink for girls. So as soon as the scan was done, we headed out to shop. As we were at Mothercare already, we started there. We then moved on to Next, which I didn't find too much in, and finally Mama's and Papa's which we spent so, so much in. I loved all the new season collection - lots of mustard and woodland themed cuteness! It's fair to say he will have a better wardrobe than us.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMMtq5KBENE/W5joV3aUocI/AAAAAAAAIiA/1n_Hhlxclk0h1izgJTk1APkB__5itGZIgCLcBGAs/s1600/babyb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="601" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMMtq5KBENE/W5joV3aUocI/AAAAAAAAIiA/1n_Hhlxclk0h1izgJTk1APkB__5itGZIgCLcBGAs/s640/babyb.png" width="594" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 17</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><b><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Baby is the size of an Onion</span></b><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><b></b><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Week 17 started with a horrible cold, which I spent most of my time sofa bound with hot water and lemon. I started to feel better by mid week which was good as i'm still so tired! I'm waiting for this endless energy of the second trimester that I've heard people talk about, and the 'glow', the only glow I've had so far is the pool of sweat that forms as soon as I get up thanks to this heatwave!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We did manage to pop out for a nice stroll at the weekend to Calke Abbey, followed by a scrumptious Sunday Lunch for me. Considering the weather was in the high 20's, I call that a success! We also bought a few more baby clothes, I am a woman drawn to the baby aisle wherever we go. In reality I could do with purchasing a few new bits for myself, as my favourite skinny jeans are definitely becoming a bit too tight now. Though I've found the in-store maternity selection a little lack lustre, everywhere seems to only sell it online, which is pretty useless when I'm not sure what size I will need!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 18</span><br /><b><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Baby is the size of a Sweet Potato</span></b><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b></b><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">I felt little squidge move for the first time on Tuesday 7th, I had been wondering if I'd felt him move before this, but there was no mistaking the two consecutive jabs I got in my lower abdomen!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrkhZ6rshxk/W5jowglJikI/AAAAAAAAIiI/IL3fgQVES-Y8ywk8bnjHdYHJ7nI2_A6EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8709%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrkhZ6rshxk/W5jowglJikI/AAAAAAAAIiI/IL3fgQVES-Y8ywk8bnjHdYHJ7nI2_A6EQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8709%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;">W</span></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">eek 19</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b>Baby is the size of a Mango</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><b></b><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">This week the movements really ramped up, and now I can definitely tell when its Little Hart wiggling about in there.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We have been making plans this week on what we need to get done in the house, what we need to buy and everything else that comes with growing a little human. I've been busy dreaming up what I want the nursery to look like, and can't wait to get started on it. The trouble is, as we have a 3 bed house for just 2 of us we ended up using the second room as storage for all the things that don't have a home, or things we don't even use! So before I can get on with all the nice parts of decorating the nursery, I have to get through some serious de-cluttering!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Week 20</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We made it to our 20 week scan! It's the one I had been most anxious about, but also the most excited for. We got to see our little one's button nose, tiny toes and lips. It was such an incredible scan and I was amazed at how in detail they could monitor baby's growth. He was wriggling away on the day too and when he stretched both arms up I could feel it! The difference between the 12 week scan and the 20 week scan is incredible, he no longer fits onto the screen and my app is telling me that <b>he is now the size of a large carrot!</b> The app also tells me that baby has taste buds now which definitely makes me more conscious about what I'm eating as I've been really craving spicy food! We still haven't bought any large items as we are waiting to get the house in order first., though we've booked ourselves onto the Mamas and Papas Parents to Be event at the end of September, which I'm hoping is when we will buy our pram.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">&nbsp;We have just finished painting our downstairs bathroom and are now moving onto clearing our bedroom, as that's where he is sleeping first. Not sure it was our greatest idea to do up most of the house whilst being over half way through this pregnancy, but I will keep you posted on how we get on! I need to create more storage for all our things, to make room for all Baby's things, wish me luck!</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Here's to the next 20 weeks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3hEdtYHSp4/W5jpqI8PX1I/AAAAAAAAIiU/rV2aqnz87zAeCZSb3ylQRuskpOPILMvaQCLcBGAs/s1600/20weeks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="574" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3hEdtYHSp4/W5jpqI8PX1I/AAAAAAAAIiU/rV2aqnz87zAeCZSb3ylQRuskpOPILMvaQCLcBGAs/s640/20weeks.png" width="580" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-22141896922445534122018-07-24T12:10:00.000-07:002018-09-12T03:36:55.572-07:00Our Pregnancy Diary | The First Trimester<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKD2RpeN0V8/W1d1omJcuPI/AAAAAAAAIhU/_TBhhUJS5MQcagsIw78fWH479A3O40AVwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180722_101603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKD2RpeN0V8/W1d1omJcuPI/AAAAAAAAIhU/_TBhhUJS5MQcagsIw78fWH479A3O40AVwCLcBGAs/s640/20180722_101603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I sit typing this, I still can't believe that I'm already into my second trimester. It seems like both a life time and a blink of an eye ago that I saw those 2 pink lines, and felt the first bubbles of excitement (and nerves). I wanted to document these special moments, even if it's only me and my husband who reads them.<br /><br /><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /><b><u>Shhh!</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En9fG_trV20/W1d2hScLXAI/AAAAAAAAIhg/e3-5xDGCc4I_U6n9kny7FWsLeZo5IcNCACLcBGAs/s1600/20180505_103240_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En9fG_trV20/W1d2hScLXAI/AAAAAAAAIhg/e3-5xDGCc4I_U6n9kny7FWsLeZo5IcNCACLcBGAs/s640/20180505_103240_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><b></b><u></u><br />I think the hardest part of the first 12 weeks is keeping it a secret. To not be able to tell people that you feel like you just want to sleep for 24 hours straight, or that you're not intentionally <i>(ok you are, but you catch my drift!)</i> avoiding social gatherings involving alcohol is quite the challenge! I really wanted to tell the world as soon as we found out, but the worrier in me also was frightened of all the things that could go wrong <i>(I still am to be honest).</i><br /><i><br /></i><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKD2RpeN0V8/W1d1omJcuPI/AAAAAAAAIhU/_TBhhUJS5MQcagsIw78fWH479A3O40AVwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180722_101603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><i><br /></i><b><u>Sickness</u></b><br /><b><u><i></i><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></u></b>I'm not going to complain too much about sickness, as in all honesty, I've probably had what some would say is an easy ride. I didn't have any sickness until after 9 weeks, and even then it was mostly in the evenings. I would be fine all day at work, maybe the odd wave of nausea just before and after eating, then feel worse as the afternoon went on. Luckily for me, I would just go to bed early, which did help a lot. The hot weather has made the sickness feeling flare up again recently though, and I'm finding it difficult to keep cool!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><u>Sleeping</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>I have slept a lot. A lot a lot a lot. I have been the nap queen. I haven't napped so much since when I was at university and I would always schedule an afternoon nap. I've really felt the effects of exhaustion on a whole other level. I used to hear others talk about the tiredness, and would think how bad can it really be? Well now I understand. I'm starting to feel a bit better now I'm into my second trimester (but I do still want a nap now and again). The first trimester though, I could easily nap for a few hours and then go to bed at 10pm again. I'm very fortunate my husband has helped out a lot, doing the food shop on his own and sorting dinner etc just so I can sleep.<br /><br /><br /><b></b><u></u><br /><b><u>Food</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>For most of the first trimester I really lost my appetite, and it's only just starting to rear it's head a little now. The thought of food turned my stomach, and I could just about manage to eat a sandwich. I haven't really had any cravings either, instead I've found I just want plain things, like ready salted crisps. Not the most healthy option, but needs must.<br /><br /><b><u>Early Scan</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-go2WxmXnbk8/W1d2xROX0KI/AAAAAAAAIho/lM1yZRS66MYXyPDym3VCNtJwx14N_wV-wCLcBGAs/s1600/20180722_101639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-go2WxmXnbk8/W1d2xROX0KI/AAAAAAAAIho/lM1yZRS66MYXyPDym3VCNtJwx14N_wV-wCLcBGAs/s640/20180722_101639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><u><br /></u></b><b><u><br /></u></b>The wait for the 12 week mark just seemed like such a long way off, and I was already feeling very anxious, so we decided to take the plunge and book an early scan. We chose Mother Care Baby Bond, and I have to say I was hugely impressed with them. They made me feel really at ease and relaxed, and it was a lovely moment to see our tiny little dot there on the screen. I was around 7 weeks pregnant at that time, so there wasn't a whole lot the technician could tell us, but we did see our little ones heart beating away. That was comfort enough. They aren't the cheapest of things, ours cost £89, but I did feel a weight lifted off my shoulders to know that the baby was indeed there, and matched up to what we thought we were date wise.<br /><b></b><u></u><b></b><u></u><br /><br /><b></b><u></u><br /><b><u>What I've been buying&nbsp;</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>I didn't buy much at all in the first trimester. I picked up some of the Pregnacare Vitamins to try and get some of the goodness into what was a very bland diet. I also picked up Clemmie's 'How to grow a baby and push it out' book, and I have to say I really love it! Definitely would recommend if you're looking for some witty yet informative pregnancy reading.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So there we have it, my first trimester summed up- night time nausea, nap queen and ready salted crisp fiend. I hope you've enjoyed a little peak into my experience of the first trimester. I'm so excited to be in to the second, and very much looking forward to gaining some much needed energy back!<br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-70829333102607107482018-07-10T11:27:00.000-07:002018-07-10T11:27:33.085-07:00We're Having a Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc8dnr-1pvo/W0TzOqg12dI/AAAAAAAAIgs/stZ5jRIX52InC31jDqbQGxHPM1g84BCLQCLcBGAs/s1600/babyhart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="575" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fc8dnr-1pvo/W0TzOqg12dI/AAAAAAAAIgs/stZ5jRIX52InC31jDqbQGxHPM1g84BCLQCLcBGAs/s640/babyhart.png" width="632" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />You may (or may not) have noticed that I've been a little quiet around these parts for the past few months, but it is all for good reason....we're having a baby! Our little Baby Hart is due in January.<br /><br />If you follow me on Instagram, you will probably have already seen our big news, but it feels so good to finally be able to share it with our nearest and dearest. I can stop worrying about being invited out for drinks, as everyone who knows me, knows I love a gin and I'm sure it would have eventually roused suspicion if I suddenly started passing it up!<br /><br />We found out we were expecting our little squidge on 4th May. It was actually a little comical looking back, as I wasn't expecting it to be our month and only took the test as I was due to start my period. I was hurryingly getting ready for work, so left it in the bathroom and carried on pottering about. It was actually my husband who alerted me to the fact that the test was positive, and I even brushed him off by saying 'there has to be two lines you know' but sure enough he was right, there they were, two pink lines.<br /><br />With not much time to let the news sink in I had to set off to work, full of a bundle of emotions, and in fact a little disbelief! So much so that I went out and bought two more tests, just to be extra certain. Each one came back with the same two lines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBr0dSo5xdw/W0T3gbL6rZI/AAAAAAAAIg4/NWSOw5WKGhMU0YPnqlWyQU_FQLogESD2gCLcBGAs/s1600/babyhart2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="572" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBr0dSo5xdw/W0T3gbL6rZI/AAAAAAAAIg4/NWSOw5WKGhMU0YPnqlWyQU_FQLogESD2gCLcBGAs/s640/babyhart2.png" width="562" /></a></div><br />We decided to wait until we had our twelve week scan before sharing our news, as I'm very much a worrier by nature. Though let's be honest does the worrying ever stop now?!<br /><br />I'm currently just over 14 weeks pregnant and so excited to continue on this journey, growing teeny Baby Hart. I can't wait to share this next chapter of our lives.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBwYPHhrJAo/W0T4jLhsuHI/AAAAAAAAIhE/QRjpNoUXhpkZaJj-DgheVgTpBHc1C64ngCLcBGAs/s1600/baby%2Bhart%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBwYPHhrJAo/W0T4jLhsuHI/AAAAAAAAIhE/QRjpNoUXhpkZaJj-DgheVgTpBHc1C64ngCLcBGAs/s640/baby%2Bhart%2B3.png" width="586" /></a></div><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-50854946805972820102018-04-30T12:42:00.002-07:002018-04-30T12:42:49.241-07:00An April Catch Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHvpCItuf8E/WuCrmt6kLuI/AAAAAAAAIeA/_qUZVYouLCkE43rO6kkYcOYvjst4q3vDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180422_123933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHvpCItuf8E/WuCrmt6kLuI/AAAAAAAAIeA/_qUZVYouLCkE43rO6kkYcOYvjst4q3vDQCEwYBhgL/s640/20180422_123933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I think I'm well overdue a catch up with you. This year is already whizzing by and with May on our door step and the smell of Spring (crosses fingers) in the air, I thought I had better touch base in real time over on this blog.<br /><br />Every year that I've had Life In The Fashion Lane, I make a resolution to blog more. Yet when January rolls round, I blink, and its soon Summer and I've barely written anything! I'm not sure whether its the gloomy post Christmas weather that leaves me somewhat lack lustre in the blogging department, or the fact that I've just been so busy that I haven't had chance to sit down yet and write anything worth reading.<br /><br />We've had an interesting start to the year, with my Dad celebrating his 50th and us going away for a mid week break. You'll have also seen we have another upcoming trip to North Yorkshire planned, which I'm super excited about.<br /><br />My days have been jam packed, and when I'm not working, I have been sorting out things around the house and meeting up with my friends.<br /><br />April has been a lovely month so far. The weather finally picked up for a few fleeting days, and we all got out and made the most of the sunshine. It's amazing what a tiny peek of sun can do for the soul. My mood was instantly lifted!<br /><br />April started out with a trip to London with my friend Millie, to visit the Ideal Home Show. I'm obsessed with their magazine, so was extremely excited to see what the show would be like. <br /><br />It was huge, and I'm still bowled over by how many stands there were. They had a lot of luxury items for sale, including concrete tables and hot tub's. My favourite part of the show&nbsp; though, were the room set ups, I wish they'd had more of these as it's one of the reasons I love the magazine so much!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_stS3o3eK4/WuCeKd406xI/AAAAAAAAIcE/L4h-phBXMbAs2fL5-4MVsfbrvrdEKmCjwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180401_113802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_stS3o3eK4/WuCeKd406xI/AAAAAAAAIcE/L4h-phBXMbAs2fL5-4MVsfbrvrdEKmCjwCLcBGAs/s640/20180401_113802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtEcfWVQ-Ps/WuCeeCKVYgI/AAAAAAAAIcM/iYbn1SU92YAnyzyRTUarPm9bA3omUdbAQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180401_120258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtEcfWVQ-Ps/WuCeeCKVYgI/AAAAAAAAIcM/iYbn1SU92YAnyzyRTUarPm9bA3omUdbAQCLcBGAs/s640/20180401_120258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSb2qwxemlc/WuCe-dBNifI/AAAAAAAAIcY/2VETC3JsKxohAYS79gLi3vDpu99MGOjnACLcBGAs/s1600/20180401_120216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSb2qwxemlc/WuCe-dBNifI/AAAAAAAAIcY/2VETC3JsKxohAYS79gLi3vDpu99MGOjnACLcBGAs/s640/20180401_120216.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzgfJiMMrs/WuCfMhuEzaI/AAAAAAAAIcc/DJvZNm0EnyY4NeJhc7EMYKKgXxxzjATDgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180401_120413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzgfJiMMrs/WuCfMhuEzaI/AAAAAAAAIcc/DJvZNm0EnyY4NeJhc7EMYKKgXxxzjATDgCLcBGAs/s640/20180401_120413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After the spending a few hours at the show and marvelling at all the décor, we got the tube and had a stroll around Covent Garden. Being from the Midlands I haven't ventured much into London, so it was lovely to visit Covent Garden for the first time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK0zw4fc9mQ/WuCgUntZ8xI/AAAAAAAAIcs/6Q4fA_QMbzMM_M8LgLjV4Cu7QmSi9Ms0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180401_155348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK0zw4fc9mQ/WuCgUntZ8xI/AAAAAAAAIcs/6Q4fA_QMbzMM_M8LgLjV4Cu7QmSi9Ms0QCLcBGAs/s640/20180401_155348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We have also began work on transforming our garden this month, into a 'country cottage' haven. I have a whole separate series of posts coming up on our Garden Transformation, including this post <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/04/garden-transformation-plans-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>, all about our plans and inspiration. <br /><br />We haven't done anything other than buy a shed and mow the lawn in the two years that we've been living here.&nbsp; Our first year in the house saw us getting married and honeymooning in the Carribean, then the next year we focused on the interior of the house. This year, I hope by starting early, we can try and get the garden looking a little more like how we envision, and we can have our first garden party this summer! Though I won't lie, we're already behind thanks to the 'beast from the east' as most of March saw the garden covered in a thick blanket of snow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ExkGZkWCfk/WuClUzfnwjI/AAAAAAAAIdA/lTAX1yBnhyYEEVmfgrIDtz-beNA87tlRQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180421_123850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ExkGZkWCfk/WuClUzfnwjI/AAAAAAAAIdA/lTAX1yBnhyYEEVmfgrIDtz-beNA87tlRQCLcBGAs/s640/20180421_123850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi7eGLiXIM/WuClSBKI1JI/AAAAAAAAIc8/J65XTbemXQooXAQSXyysIoen8uSfiFMqQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180421_161128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi7eGLiXIM/WuClSBKI1JI/AAAAAAAAIc8/J65XTbemXQooXAQSXyysIoen8uSfiFMqQCLcBGAs/s640/20180421_161128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I've met up with my friends a few times this month, for our mid week catch up. It's something I have really looked forward too and has been lovely to see them more often. We recently ventured into Chesterfield to try out Qoozies, whose interior is every blogger and Instagrammers dream. <i>The food and smoothies are pretty scrumptious too!</i><br /><i><br /></i>It kind of makes me want to put faux flowers all around our house and on the ceilings, but I don't think Mr H would be too approving of it!<br /><br />We sat in a very sunny window spot and watched the world go about it's business whilst having a catch up.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtFNPmciPKo/WuCmbefVPyI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/MPGljbsjhR8em1qGnWvmQRb3NIP5RInPACLcBGAs/s1600/20180423_132258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtFNPmciPKo/WuCmbefVPyI/AAAAAAAAIdQ/MPGljbsjhR8em1qGnWvmQRb3NIP5RInPACLcBGAs/s640/20180423_132258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XiAxGN8As0/WuCmc2HBjFI/AAAAAAAAIdU/WZVwwARcObg9i2z1nFurqhyaX0wzN29TwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180423_132542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XiAxGN8As0/WuCmc2HBjFI/AAAAAAAAIdU/WZVwwARcObg9i2z1nFurqhyaX0wzN29TwCLcBGAs/s640/20180423_132542.jpg" width="640" /></a><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnQ8dkNfLaU/WuCm67eKRPI/AAAAAAAAIdg/686liw6NTWcsN8qvMEsu3OYs7gyhaboogCLcBGAs/s1600/20180423_134700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnQ8dkNfLaU/WuCm67eKRPI/AAAAAAAAIdg/686liw6NTWcsN8qvMEsu3OYs7gyhaboogCLcBGAs/s640/20180423_134700.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>Alongside meet ups with my friends and venturing into London, me and my Husband have had a few trips to local tea rooms and antique shops. We visited the most beautiful hotel, Kedleston Country House, and had a cheeky gin. I've asked my Husband if we can go back there for my Birthday for afternoon tea, as it was having a refurb when we visited and wasn't offering food. <br /><br />The interior is stunning and I could have taken a million photo's if I was given the opportunity. The panelling, glass light fixtures and pale grey colour scheme is dreamy and definitely ignited a spark to get on with finishing some of the rooms in our house! My office in particular has been painted for months, but we've just been putting off wallpapering as we are complete newbies to it and I have visions of it going disastrously wrong!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40UOdviurJs/WuCrFuAuP7I/AAAAAAAAIds/m2QoZAHTWHIaJ2S4fuYfoAQyn5GT5R1GgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180422_122702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40UOdviurJs/WuCrFuAuP7I/AAAAAAAAIds/m2QoZAHTWHIaJ2S4fuYfoAQyn5GT5R1GgCLcBGAs/s640/20180422_122702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrGFE7j2KCE/WuCrkhfTmFI/AAAAAAAAId0/8WIvV2hHRSIRdlW-GXoH8F9ZVrJlrGu7QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180422_122905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrGFE7j2KCE/WuCrkhfTmFI/AAAAAAAAId0/8WIvV2hHRSIRdlW-GXoH8F9ZVrJlrGu7QCLcBGAs/s640/20180422_122905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHvpCItuf8E/WuCrmt6kLuI/AAAAAAAAId4/HtZ3fS_2Xvg_FA7EQlatqKJ3H_q7fbpLQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180422_123933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gHvpCItuf8E/WuCrmt6kLuI/AAAAAAAAId4/HtZ3fS_2Xvg_FA7EQlatqKJ3H_q7fbpLQCLcBGAs/s640/20180422_123933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In terms of moments at home in April, I have finally nailed a double chocolate chunk cookie recipe. This is great in one respect, as I've been wanting to practice my baking skills for a long time, but bad for my waistline! (well what's left of it!) My next bake I want to master is the humble chocolate brownie, which I've not had much luck with yet.<br /><br /><br />So there we have it, I hope you've enjoyed catching up with me, and that this month has been good to you- <i>here is to May being even better</i>. Bring on the long sunny days. I am well and truly looking forward to evenings in the garden and days exploring Derbyshire and beyond.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-67936916716533496542018-04-25T10:16:00.000-07:002018-04-25T10:16:01.273-07:00Garden Transformation Plans and Inspiration <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ExkGZkWCfk/WuClUzfnwjI/AAAAAAAAIdI/w4efIIlHx0MBLe0OGIQ0ucGoDI1BL3Q1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180421_123850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ExkGZkWCfk/WuClUzfnwjI/AAAAAAAAIdI/w4efIIlHx0MBLe0OGIQ0ucGoDI1BL3Q1gCEwYBhgL/s640/20180421_123850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We are currently waiting for this awful weather we've been having to pass so that we can get stuck in to giving our garden a good transformation.<br /><br />I've been scouring Instagram, Pinterest, magazines and more for inspiration. I've even been going to some open gardens for ideas on how to really transform our space (as well as the fact that I just love them!)<br /><br />At the moment our garden is lacking character. It has a small courtyard outside our backdoor, followed by an extremely long lawn and at the end is a concrete plinth which is currently housing our shed.<br /><br />We gave the garden a quick revamp last summer, with the addition of the shed, bird feeders, a little 2 chairs and table set, and an arch way. Stephen painted the fence, and I painted our gate, some planters and started on the shed. We just wanted to quickly create somewhere for us to sit and have a cup of tea in the summer sunshine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Y4_jAc3aE/WtZc6VD9vgI/AAAAAAAAIb0/gx2rjk0qsIQbW3Z66CKK3xzmu1pDreNkQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170709_173544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-Y4_jAc3aE/WtZc6VD9vgI/AAAAAAAAIb0/gx2rjk0qsIQbW3Z66CKK3xzmu1pDreNkQCLcBGAs/s640/20170709_173544.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi7eGLiXIM/WuClSBKI1JI/AAAAAAAAIdE/nFQ-XgKSbk0UgoNjr0czoRMTCViFWOLAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180421_161128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Goi7eGLiXIM/WuClSBKI1JI/AAAAAAAAIdE/nFQ-XgKSbk0UgoNjr0czoRMTCViFWOLAgCEwYBhgL/s640/20180421_161128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Over this last year I have really gotten interested in gardening and growing plants. I have had my first go at growing tulips and alliums. Which, despite this horrible weather, went ok! Since then I have purchased a few more bulbs and seeds, as well as a climbing rose and some sweet peas. I'm waiting for this rain to pass before I can get started on sowing these, but I'm very aware that time is of the essence and I need to get them potted before the end of April!<br /><br />This year, we want to start establishing our borders and create a larger social area, to have family and friends round in summer evenings. I look forward to enjoying a slab of home made cake and a gin cocktail in the sunshine, overlooking our growing garden bursting with flowers.<br /><br />The first jobs on our list are, to dig out both the new larger seating area and the borders. We need to finish the shed and repair some of the winter damage that the storms have caused to it, and also replace the fence at the bottom of the garden, as it's currently just a wire one.<br /><br />Once we have completed that, we will begin to plant out our seeds and purchase any larger plants. <br /><br />We will be filling our seating area with small gravel, for a country cottage feel. I plan to surround it with raised beds of lavender and roses. I also want to hang festoon lights over the top of a large bench, complete with solar lanterns for a really romantic feel in the evenings.<br /><br />Our borders will be a mix of wildflowers and cutting flowers. I want to see what works best in our garden and over the years really get it established.<br /><br />I've been pinning away on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/sp07x/garden/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> so though I would share with you some of our inspiration for the garden.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqkiVzaaOac/WtZWgUDwM3I/AAAAAAAAIbQ/6kdAhuWIeogBHslspdA9p5v0oFy-TZcLACLcBGAs/s1600/garden%2Binspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqkiVzaaOac/WtZWgUDwM3I/AAAAAAAAIbQ/6kdAhuWIeogBHslspdA9p5v0oFy-TZcLACLcBGAs/s640/garden%2Binspo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/415175659391019896/" target="_blank">Source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0sFLppOJ-Q/WtZX0Gr4N3I/AAAAAAAAIbc/6XbIvb8Eg9QwxPZtbSYppvVQ6Zg_e2UjwCLcBGAs/s1600/garden%2Binspo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P0sFLppOJ-Q/WtZX0Gr4N3I/AAAAAAAAIbc/6XbIvb8Eg9QwxPZtbSYppvVQ6Zg_e2UjwCLcBGAs/s640/garden%2Binspo%2B2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/AU09vf9XY7eB2VS2cKTjNg2BjKBMcpqAif6reJYNAOwcL84DZoojtgs/" target="_blank">Source</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcwVuYxa7_w/WtZY5bskb3I/AAAAAAAAIbo/G5Z0iUWOCEUcR6sOAceV4i5OX6yhTtb6wCLcBGAs/s1600/garden%2Binspo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="564" height="632" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcwVuYxa7_w/WtZY5bskb3I/AAAAAAAAIbo/G5Z0iUWOCEUcR6sOAceV4i5OX6yhTtb6wCLcBGAs/s640/garden%2Binspo%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/415175659392272805/" target="_blank">Source</a></div><br />I absolutely adore the top photo, and it's definitely the look we'd like to achieve in our own garden.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have you recently started making over your garden </div><div style="text-align: center;">in preparation for those long summer days?</div>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-259658301040037822018-04-15T10:36:00.000-07:002018-04-15T10:36:27.421-07:00Our Travel Plans for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F5aoJKWJVc/WsssTmVJLQI/AAAAAAAAIaA/hMprIAGU5n05uVuPhh1l9ayHzB5CxSxHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0F5aoJKWJVc/WsssTmVJLQI/AAAAAAAAIaA/hMprIAGU5n05uVuPhh1l9ayHzB5CxSxHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7912.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />If you've stuck around on my blog for long enough, you will know that me and my Husband love to travel. We've been to so many incredible places over the years we've been together, and have definitely made the most of our free time.<br /><br />Last year we decided to have more breaks in the UK, rather than just one trip abroad, and do you know what? I<i> really</i> enjoyed them. So much so, that we are doing it again this year. Don't get us wrong we still love to travel abroad, and have plans for a trip at some point in the future,<i> Italian coast we're looking at you</i>. For now though, let me share with you what we have planned for this year.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">February |</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"> New Mills, Derbyshire</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MvbnYsXRps/WsswzcOp80I/AAAAAAAAIaM/YNH3SnXzuZQc42UUpZ6_jjcyaeI1q9lGwCLcBGAs/s1600/newmills.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MvbnYsXRps/WsswzcOp80I/AAAAAAAAIaM/YNH3SnXzuZQc42UUpZ6_jjcyaeI1q9lGwCLcBGAs/s640/newmills.png" width="626" /></a></div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #b01600;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span>You would have seen already that we had a few days away in the pretty <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/03/our-escape-to-new-mills-derbyshire.html" target="_blank">Derbyshire town of New Mills.</a> We stayed in a <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/02/our-stay-at-brow-farm-new-mills.html" target="_blank">gorgeous cottage</a> surrounded by stunning views, and enjoyed a break of lots of walking and relaxing. This trip was particularly special to us as it was one of our presents to my Dad for his Birthday. We made some fantastic memories, such as trying to get back to the cottage from the pub, when the paths had magically turned to ice within a few short hours!<br /><br />It was lovely to escape for a mid week break in the middle of a cold, dreary, February, and I would highly recommend New Mills, it's a great place to explore Derbyshire from.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfkEMF3fmwY/WssxOR36-uI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/MK5Ts-M5qTAL98gh_yu785MdynYYd0gsACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfkEMF3fmwY/WssxOR36-uI/AAAAAAAAIaQ/MK5Ts-M5qTAL98gh_yu785MdynYYd0gsACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">May |</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"> Linton in Craven, North Yorkshire</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span>We decided that February to June felt like such a long time, and that we needed a mini break to escape from it all. There are so many gorgeous places to visit in North Yorkshire that it took us a while to choose where to go, I knew I wanted to be near to Skipton, which is when we came across Linton in Craven. It's such a quaint place with plenty of spectacular views and a nearby pub. I cannot wait to explore from our pretty B&amp;B base. Our room also has a huge bath tub in it, which I plan to make the most of! Especially if the weather doesn't make a drastic improvement.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">June/July | </span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Tenby, Wales</span></div><div><br />My Mum and Dad booked a pretty little cottage in Tenby,&nbsp; and they asked us if we would like to join them on their break,<i> which of course we jumped at! </i>Tenby looks like such a gorgeous town, with its colourful coastal houses and plenty of places to explore. I've been having a nosey at where to eat and what activities we can do when we get there, my favourite part of trip planning. Fish &amp; Chips, and independent shops, are top of the list! Alongside some coastal walks and wildlife spotting.<br /><br />We went away with my Mum and Dad last year to <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/07/our-week-in-brixham-day-1-2.html" target="_blank">Brixham, Devon</a> and absolutely loved it, so I can't wait for this years break with them.&nbsp;</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyK--2KL4aI/Ws4NO6FaHlI/AAAAAAAAIbA/Mb4JpXykit8fJ6veG7jdguqXg820InNCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyK--2KL4aI/Ws4NO6FaHlI/AAAAAAAAIbA/Mb4JpXykit8fJ6veG7jdguqXg820InNCgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">J</span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">uly | </span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Centre Parc's</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In July I'm also heading to Centre Parc's with my friends. I've never actually been to a Centre Parc's before, so I'm excited to see what they're like! I look forward to spending quality time with my friends whilst relaxing in the spa and chatting away the day in such great company.&nbsp;</div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">September | </span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Road trip around Scotland&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">This is our biggest trip of 2018, we are going on a driving tour around Scotland with my Husband, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law. It's something we have been discussing for a while and have finally got the ball rolling. We'll be stopping at Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, Fort William, and the Cairngorms. We wanted a nice mix of urban and rural, so I think this list strikes the right balance. We've actually visited Edinburgh already, as I took my Husband there for a surprise Birthday break for his 21st back in 2013! We're looking forward to going back again to see more of what Edinburgh has to offer.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I can't wait for this trip, and have already started researching where to eat (again!) and what to do in each of the places we'll be stopping at. High on my list is a trip to see Glenfinnan Viaduct, which may look very familiar if you're a Harry Potter fan. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">I would love to hear any of your recommendations of things to see or do in Scotland too, so please leave them in a comment! We're planning lots of sight seeing, but would also love some ''off the beaten track'' things to do/see.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">November | TBC</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"></span><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span>That's all of the trips we have currently planned. We're also looking at booking a weekend away in November again if we can afford it, for our second anniversary. I'd like to make it our tradition, that instead of buying each other gifts for our anniversary, we choose to go away somewhere for one night and make more memories instead. Our first anniversary was spent in the gorgeous<a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/12/an-autumn-weekend-in-cotswolds.html" target="_blank"> Cotswold's</a> and it was the best way to celebrate our first year as Husband and Wife. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">We are yet to decide where to go this year. I'm a huge fan of country retreats, and with our anniversary being in November, I dream of nights by a roaring log fire with a hot chocolate in hand. If you have any UK countryside weekend break recommendations for us, please leave them in the comments!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srO7IF-Lxbw/WssyOXofGSI/AAAAAAAAIag/s2lwxGAH7jo3ZsYNI9VeigIH1yihKvjNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_122957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-srO7IF-Lxbw/WssyOXofGSI/AAAAAAAAIag/s2lwxGAH7jo3ZsYNI9VeigIH1yihKvjNQCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_122957.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOpM7m0-_lc/Ws39zCYuJbI/AAAAAAAAIaw/0wx0ShC7yJQGhBwEKLejF0A5jG3TcAq3ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_135908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOpM7m0-_lc/Ws39zCYuJbI/AAAAAAAAIaw/0wx0ShC7yJQGhBwEKLejF0A5jG3TcAq3ACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_135908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">So that's our plans for this year's travels, are you off anywhere exciting this year?&nbsp;</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-42100251577687025502018-03-11T08:43:00.000-07:002018-03-11T08:43:17.407-07:00Our Escape to New Mills, Derbyshire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPWbBvo0Wh0/Wn4x6_Kj9BI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/dd1Zqx3_LTgGuFTOkSe2WobgoHv0YYSUgCLcBGAs/s1600/newmills.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPWbBvo0Wh0/Wn4x6_Kj9BI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/dd1Zqx3_LTgGuFTOkSe2WobgoHv0YYSUgCLcBGAs/s640/newmills.png" width="626" /></a></div><br /><br />We recently escaped daily life, for a slice of country living. It's no secret that my dream is to move to a chocolate box village, surrounded by rolling hills. To be able to spend my days with plenty of walks with my two dogs<i> (nope I don't own even one dog at the moment..)</i> For now though, I will make the most of sneaky little trips to the English countryside.<br /><br />It was a very special trip this time, in celebration of my Dad's 50th Birthday. Me and my brother had chipped together to take us all away, for some quality time together in beautiful surroundings.<br /><br />I had come across the cottage we stayed in online, which you can read about <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2018/02/our-stay-at-brow-farm-new-mills.html" target="_blank">here.</a> I thought that it looked like the perfect place to get away from it all, yet be in walking distance to a few cafes and pubs. Idyllic for everyone.<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Day One.</span><br /><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br /><br />It took us around an hour and a half's drive, up through the peak district, passing through Bakewell and Buxton, and arriving in the High Peak. We reached New Mills at around Mid Day and spent some time exploring the town, before heading down to the Millenium Bridge.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp; New Mills is a town in the High Peak, where the rivers Sett and Goyt join. It's built up of winding streets lined with pretty stone cottages <i>(many of which have fox door knockers which I absolutely must have)</i> and a span of panoramic views wherever you turn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWXkiBXRQLo/WphLW0j4yGI/AAAAAAAAIVg/ZIHk1z8M9v8ebRgn3wwAEBKHsGO5fBCTgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_121922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWXkiBXRQLo/WphLW0j4yGI/AAAAAAAAIVg/ZIHk1z8M9v8ebRgn3wwAEBKHsGO5fBCTgCLcBGAs/s640/20180207_121922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We weaved our way down to the Millenium Bridge, which was a magical sight in itself, but the fact that it was gently snowing too made it even more glorious. The view at the top of the steps, looking down to the mills and bridge is just breath taking. We pottered along for a little while, before the snow started to hit a little harder and we all decided that it was high time for some food and coffee. We definitely needed to thaw out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjWJ9lPzXWU/WphM4k8sn_I/AAAAAAAAIVw/NdFubiOTud07ArejgqdkVrkFxPezxXePwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_130401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gjWJ9lPzXWU/WphM4k8sn_I/AAAAAAAAIVw/NdFubiOTud07ArejgqdkVrkFxPezxXePwCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_130401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC6sPi19KRM/WphM2_CBSNI/AAAAAAAAIVs/6BbTk9SYg2UYknEZCkZQ7H59FwL_s-swACLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_130145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC6sPi19KRM/WphM2_CBSNI/AAAAAAAAIVs/6BbTk9SYg2UYknEZCkZQ7H59FwL_s-swACLcBGAs/s640/20180206_130145.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uel-Xy1AL4Q/WphPdxewSRI/AAAAAAAAIWA/vA_D6yv7iT0Hm9x1FXZEW0o-bRnaRCv2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_130129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uel-Xy1AL4Q/WphPdxewSRI/AAAAAAAAIWA/vA_D6yv7iT0Hm9x1FXZEW0o-bRnaRCv2QCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_130129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We walked back up to the main street in New Mills and came across Clock Work Café. It was the perfect place to stop for a bits to eat, right in the centre of New Mills and not too far walk from our cottage. We warmed up with the ultimate comfort foods, I had hash brown with a cheese and onion pie, which hit the spot nicely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5K2X-r_Go/WphPutX21uI/AAAAAAAAIWE/Q5KHIi5ESNw_Z6lzDwOm7ss_kEqy-qk7QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_135213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M5K2X-r_Go/WphPutX21uI/AAAAAAAAIWE/Q5KHIi5ESNw_Z6lzDwOm7ss_kEqy-qk7QCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_135213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />By the time that we had finished our food, we decided we had best check in to our Cottage. Brow Farm is a short drive from New Mills centre (only a couple of minutes) and is situated at the bottom of a long drive way. We let ourselves in to the cottage and immediately felt at home.<br /><br />The underfloor heating on the ground floor was heaven on our aching feet, and we had been given some divine gooey chocolate brownies to enjoy, which we did with a nice hot cup of tea.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4gsWO__M7U/WphQC3_qNaI/AAAAAAAAIWM/ormHgXZwoJ8CeQzUBRs_M6IiETuvp2laQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_163132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4gsWO__M7U/WphQC3_qNaI/AAAAAAAAIWM/ormHgXZwoJ8CeQzUBRs_M6IiETuvp2laQCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_163132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />At around 5:30 we decided to walk down to the Pride of the Peaks pub for a quick drink. We managed to snag a spot right beside the roaring open fire, and spent a couple hours here sipping on gin and chatting. On our way back to the cottage we grabbed some fish and chips from The Crispy Cod for tea and spent the rest of the night relaxing. We ended up watching our wedding speeches, which was so nice to reminisce over.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuPIOEs4yOw/WphQup0YXJI/AAAAAAAAIWY/mJAGxyCNP9s4idQtQBRra7509TKPhz_QQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_174946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuPIOEs4yOw/WphQup0YXJI/AAAAAAAAIWY/mJAGxyCNP9s4idQtQBRra7509TKPhz_QQCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_174946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZuyme1w86c/WphQ9zhPG2I/AAAAAAAAIWg/KpyVeGnfIY4QAcaIrbsKTL5PnWMMEwxGgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_175008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZuyme1w86c/WphQ9zhPG2I/AAAAAAAAIWg/KpyVeGnfIY4QAcaIrbsKTL5PnWMMEwxGgCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_175008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zt1Y2LfV1D0/WphQ9Shaw5I/AAAAAAAAIWc/0HU6HNHMEiIoupfNErFaBz-dzl5sFOJ8wCLcBGAs/s1600/20180206_201052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zt1Y2LfV1D0/WphQ9Shaw5I/AAAAAAAAIWc/0HU6HNHMEiIoupfNErFaBz-dzl5sFOJ8wCLcBGAs/s640/20180206_201052.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br />The walk home was very eventful, as due to all the snow freezing in a matter of two hours, the streets were like ice rinks! We were having to waddle and cling on so we didn't fall. Something to laugh about now but at the time I was<i> slightly</i> hysterical.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Day Two</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #001000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #b01600;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Today was much brighter than yesterday and the snow had finally stopped. We all got up and enjoyed breakfast together, we gave my dad his birthday presents, which I'm very pleased to report he loved! Then we set off on one of the walks we'd seen in a leaflet.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9CzNAeYmIs/WphRg0aOGsI/AAAAAAAAIWw/IZDc6gi3tVIPAC5lrJmHEqEnSbrz2ROCgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_085650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9CzNAeYmIs/WphRg0aOGsI/AAAAAAAAIWw/IZDc6gi3tVIPAC5lrJmHEqEnSbrz2ROCgCLcBGAs/s640/20180207_085650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMm6z7TxuCc/WphSHaLDlUI/AAAAAAAAIW4/XTkGacccb887SfFu-rHgGbEnaUzBjydQgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_120233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMm6z7TxuCc/WphSHaLDlUI/AAAAAAAAIW4/XTkGacccb887SfFu-rHgGbEnaUzBjydQgCLcBGAs/s640/20180207_120233.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">The walk took us down some seriously beautiful streets, the houses were all gorgeous with pretty, colourful doors and little plant pots dotted outside. It was also a steep hilly walk, which had all of us exhausted by the time we had made it to the starting point!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9Yci_gbRY/WphT1WllnOI/AAAAAAAAIXE/-_mbYRy6Ig8v-m0kIAB7XcKZgZqdznErwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_124642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9Yci_gbRY/WphT1WllnOI/AAAAAAAAIXE/-_mbYRy6Ig8v-m0kIAB7XcKZgZqdznErwCLcBGAs/s640/20180207_124642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">The walk began from the<a href="http://www.packhorseinn.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Pack Horse Inn</a> Pub, ironically where we were going to eat that evening! It took us up another fairly steep hill through lots of fields. When we reached the top the views were incredible, and definitely worth it!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37kpZBXBfiU/WphYMmYCkfI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/RD7QduNsVIIAAHtYVYuKE2soqvkbkNO7ACLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_130015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37kpZBXBfiU/WphYMmYCkfI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/RD7QduNsVIIAAHtYVYuKE2soqvkbkNO7ACLcBGAs/s640/20180207_130015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJsBjHzbNpI/WphYyNJmKUI/AAAAAAAAIXY/6wcpOZ06TnAiPCpiJNUYZmdjB-tbg3DmACLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_131036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HJsBjHzbNpI/WphYyNJmKUI/AAAAAAAAIXY/6wcpOZ06TnAiPCpiJNUYZmdjB-tbg3DmACLcBGAs/s640/20180207_131036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAqTHHP2_-g/WphZaQXC68I/AAAAAAAAIXg/5zL5P09-8kMUdajABzYT3qS96qx_GpTHACLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_131109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAqTHHP2_-g/WphZaQXC68I/AAAAAAAAIXg/5zL5P09-8kMUdajABzYT3qS96qx_GpTHACLcBGAs/s640/20180207_131109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>The route was a circular trail, taking you through numerous fields, which were pretty muddy at times!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dk1aF-6oaKY/Wpha3yn7bGI/AAAAAAAAIXs/xOzn-zxiIwkja7tcW7f4kfra2tSXninyQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_125908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dk1aF-6oaKY/Wpha3yn7bGI/AAAAAAAAIXs/xOzn-zxiIwkja7tcW7f4kfra2tSXninyQCLcBGAs/s640/20180207_125908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMw6agf1Jw8/Wpha8Xrj6oI/AAAAAAAAIXw/q5dlzF6N8N49vDNL9t25mRq3s3qB3iYuACLcBGAs/s1600/20180207_135952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMw6agf1Jw8/Wpha8Xrj6oI/AAAAAAAAIXw/q5dlzF6N8N49vDNL9t25mRq3s3qB3iYuACLcBGAs/s640/20180207_135952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Overall it took us around an hour or so to complete, and was thoroughly enjoyable!<br /><br />By the time we had reached our Cottage we slurped down a nice hot cup of tea and a chocolate brownie, before retiring ourselves to a well deserved afternoon nap.<br /><br />Later in the evening we headed out for my Dad's Birthday meal, back at the <a href="http://www.packhorseinn.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pack Horse Inn</a>, we had seen that it was very popular and it looked lovely when we had been by it earlier in the day. This time though we drove up to it! <br /><br />The food was absolutely delicious and I would highly recommend a visit to the Pack Horse Inn if you're in the New Mills area. We headed back down to the centre for one more quick drink in the Royal Oak, whose décor was seriously dreamy, with lots of panelling and patterned tiles.<br /><br /><br />Our final morning in the cottage was spent soaking in the last of the view (and underfloor heating). Luckily/unluckily, however you may see it, I woke up very early with a cold and couldn't settle. I made my way into the kitchen for a drink, and i'm so glad I did as the sun was just rising.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LjG-AcRtWA/WphhoaGXhKI/AAAAAAAAIYE/myQS99Q43s0P2GJSrlshciDj8Ipmei34wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LjG-AcRtWA/WphhoaGXhKI/AAAAAAAAIYE/myQS99Q43s0P2GJSrlshciDj8Ipmei34wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8544.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />So that brings us to the end of our trip to New Mills. We had a wonderful mid week break, and if you're looking for an escape to Derbyshire, New Mills is one that should be on your list. It has plenty of walks, and is great for reaching other parts of Derbyshire too, so if you have a few more days than we did, you can tick off some more places on your Derbyshire list!<br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-10158383043197935672018-02-10T06:42:00.000-08:002018-02-10T06:42:26.653-08:00Our Stay at Brow Farm, New Mills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lA2VfSEzwmk/Wn3SfiTjfhI/AAAAAAAAISI/Fbu--4KX0VEaAIHouIX7ES0bBE6jv2d1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lA2VfSEzwmk/Wn3SfiTjfhI/AAAAAAAAISI/Fbu--4KX0VEaAIHouIX7ES0bBE6jv2d1ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8542.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Our escape to the High Peak was made extremely special due to our stay at Brow Farm, New Mills. Me and my brother has been looking for the perfect accommodation to take our dad away for his birthday. I was scouring the internet (like I do most days) when I came across Brow Farm.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhHAGOxkazM/Wn3UVRF9npI/AAAAAAAAISU/mqQ8umF0G0w7-uniu5DRfte3Fl_dxTRfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PhHAGOxkazM/Wn3UVRF9npI/AAAAAAAAISU/mqQ8umF0G0w7-uniu5DRfte3Fl_dxTRfgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xanrbs8QYOo/Wn3UqtVEdMI/AAAAAAAAISY/ZyNF7Bzq89w8AR4fAVQdhguAfJTgNuKjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xanrbs8QYOo/Wn3UqtVEdMI/AAAAAAAAISY/ZyNF7Bzq89w8AR4fAVQdhguAfJTgNuKjQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you've read my blog for a while you will know that my dream home is a cottage in the countryside, with a pretty view that I can spend hours pottering in the garden admiring. My only problem? <i>can't afford it..Yet.</i> I can however, afford to live the dream for a few days, and Brow Farm Cottage is all kinds of house 'goals'. From the gorgeous stone exterior, to the panoramic view of rolling hills, it certainly does not disappoint.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwW-HQcjr2M/Wn3WIGw_kaI/AAAAAAAAISo/bPkHyig6uP0eAB98zt9zcL12PVNXpo38wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwW-HQcjr2M/Wn3WIGw_kaI/AAAAAAAAISo/bPkHyig6uP0eAB98zt9zcL12PVNXpo38wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mkk87NmIC8/Wn3ZvRIqguI/AAAAAAAAIS0/hL672LXTNU4gpvSX43Gqt5js6KX2oecAgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0mkk87NmIC8/Wn3ZvRIqguI/AAAAAAAAIS0/hL672LXTNU4gpvSX43Gqt5js6KX2oecAgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8580.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />You approach Brow Farm down a long drive, where you can find ample parking at the bottom, right next to the cottage. This meant that transferring the bags from the car to inside was extremely easy (<i>great if you're an over packer like me!</i>). <br /><br />&nbsp;The first thing you will notice when you pull up is the view. I could go on about that view over and over, <i>it's just stunning.</i> I can only imagine how beautiful it looks on a summers night, <i>sat outside with a gin in hand.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYr8VIrYCP0/Wn329MnT5AI/AAAAAAAAIUE/hXpQ2bOZOg05KGF-ReEMYi1SdKmbQ9_vQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYr8VIrYCP0/Wn329MnT5AI/AAAAAAAAIUE/hXpQ2bOZOg05KGF-ReEMYi1SdKmbQ9_vQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />You enter the cottage into the large airy hallway, it's bright with gloriously high ceilings and wooden beams. Like I mentioned earlier, if your a fan of modern country cottages this one is right up your street. <br /><br />&nbsp; Our first port of call was exploring the entire cottage before unpacking! After checking out all of the bedrooms and picking out which ones we wanted, my parents got the upstairs double bedroom with the en-suite (<i>it was my dads birthday after all</i>) and we had a lovely spacious double on the ground floor. There is also a family bathroom downstairs, which has <i>both</i> a walk in shower (complete with rainfall shower head<i> eek!</i>)<i> and</i> a tub, perfect for a long soak after those idyllic country walks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDJ-21z1Bo0/Wn3d_xO2fKI/AAAAAAAAITE/Jy58yJzdDIk4t5tTxFwuN2uktwUjQ6WkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDJ-21z1Bo0/Wn3d_xO2fKI/AAAAAAAAITE/Jy58yJzdDIk4t5tTxFwuN2uktwUjQ6WkQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttriyp6gAaQ/Wn3d40225LI/AAAAAAAAITA/BUgD-XkaHTYSnuDFNe6zrUXGBaM8c8gbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttriyp6gAaQ/Wn3d40225LI/AAAAAAAAITA/BUgD-XkaHTYSnuDFNe6zrUXGBaM8c8gbQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />My absolute favourite part of the cottage has to be to kitchen/dining room. The room is one huge open plan space, with lots of windows giving it such a bright feel. Normally when you think of open plan in February, you think it must be cold? Nope.<i> Under floor heating</i>. I have since decided that I need this putting in all through our house, it really is a game changer. Taking off your shoes at the end of the day and <i>no need for slippers.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3FkvSKYkBE/Wn3yeXYtAgI/AAAAAAAAITc/5HBXgWLxuWgL3X9yx8_iMlKRWCY_0PDxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3FkvSKYkBE/Wn3yeXYtAgI/AAAAAAAAITc/5HBXgWLxuWgL3X9yx8_iMlKRWCY_0PDxgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9Kd2zJD4Lw/Wn3yd-g1SAI/AAAAAAAAITY/A7CUj2t0YfkWyC4dp50nJZ6Q3qH4AaJJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9Kd2zJD4Lw/Wn3yd-g1SAI/AAAAAAAAITY/A7CUj2t0YfkWyC4dp50nJZ6Q3qH4AaJJgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The décor is kept very minimal, with a nod to the countryside shown through adorable little duck ornaments and pretty patterned cushions. There is a huge farmhouse style table taking centre stage, ideal for getting the whole family round for some scrumptious home cooked food, or if you're like us..<i>a take away!</i><br /><i><br /></i>It really is the perfect entertaining space. There's a sofa in the corner, which is great for looking at the view through the windows, or reading a good book. There's also a breakfast bar too which makes a great perch to enjoy your morning coffee.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gWeIVzv2V4/Wn3zwrWBfsI/AAAAAAAAIT4/4-gu6a419AIqPh1crb6DoYrYak5SxtliwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gWeIVzv2V4/Wn3zwrWBfsI/AAAAAAAAIT4/4-gu6a419AIqPh1crb6DoYrYak5SxtliwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8516.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The kitchen itself comes with all the necessities that you would need for your stay, kettle, toaster, oven and washing machine. What really grabbed us though, were the thoughtful touches, there were eggs from the farm and some delicious brownies<i> (that I had far too many of!)</i>. There were also lots of leaflets for restaurants, walking routes, magazines etc. which came in really handy. We ended up going to the Pack Horse Inn for dinner, which we came across on one of the leaflets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkfRlvj6gqM/Wn3zNsu9QYI/AAAAAAAAITo/6IhqsvxuKQwWujJQC_V9NsFgyPwctaC4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nkfRlvj6gqM/Wn3zNsu9QYI/AAAAAAAAITo/6IhqsvxuKQwWujJQC_V9NsFgyPwctaC4wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2av_A6a40hA/Wn3zNxBfqEI/AAAAAAAAITs/Kkrj8rLI1CwwnafRC3T3lq2Xt804tQDtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2av_A6a40hA/Wn3zNxBfqEI/AAAAAAAAITs/Kkrj8rLI1CwwnafRC3T3lq2Xt804tQDtQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you like the cosy/hygge vibe, then the upstairs balcony style living area will be your type of space. The sofas are extremely snug and the whole area just screams relaxation. It's great for unwinding in front of the TV. We only sat up here once, but had we have stayed longer we would definitely have made more use of it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fvht7YoyGg/Wn4K-zOsUZI/AAAAAAAAIUk/SIR1Kos5F_MrWFgt3TeyDwtHea5d-BCaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fvht7YoyGg/Wn4K-zOsUZI/AAAAAAAAIUk/SIR1Kos5F_MrWFgt3TeyDwtHea5d-BCaQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o40Kyrp1oP4/Wn4K7J1_mOI/AAAAAAAAIUg/X6Z79uBIj0A-0d4YNnXNIr7iVHtPxd4OwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o40Kyrp1oP4/Wn4K7J1_mOI/AAAAAAAAIUg/X6Z79uBIj0A-0d4YNnXNIr7iVHtPxd4OwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7pl7Zp2pyI/Wn4O_9w5OiI/AAAAAAAAIU0/1Wt9l8h0AQ8UGP5PcQRrKHDnAlTIVYUMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f7pl7Zp2pyI/Wn4O_9w5OiI/AAAAAAAAIU0/1Wt9l8h0AQ8UGP5PcQRrKHDnAlTIVYUMgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />On our second day, I had gotten up early and pottered into the kitchen for a drink. I was so pleased that I had, as I managed to just catch the sunrise over the hills, which made getting up early so much easier, I have to say. I think if I lived here I could definitely embrace being a morning person.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwlj7zCnQ2Y/Wn4SxTTnI3I/AAAAAAAAIVA/yPIokf1pRN08XCUQ3D93xQ9wm28U8EHCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gwlj7zCnQ2Y/Wn4SxTTnI3I/AAAAAAAAIVA/yPIokf1pRN08XCUQ3D93xQ9wm28U8EHCgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you're looking for the perfect slice of country life, with a stunning view and close proximity to a few pubs and shops, Brow Farm is the place to stay. Cath and David are amazing hosts, they made us feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. We will definitely be making a trip back sometime in the future, <i>hopefully for a little longer next time too.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i>Find out more about Brow Farm through their website <a href="https://www.stayatbrowfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a></i>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-87305181950280302782018-02-06T00:58:00.000-08:002019-01-29T01:36:54.898-08:00How my blog photography has changed | AD<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7jsi40uh4E/WnOJ6KicTeI/AAAAAAAAIR4/EqU1QawDlTYJwIgvZ24ju85M8lIMKNV9QCLcBGAs/s1600/weekend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="712" height="576" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7jsi40uh4E/WnOJ6KicTeI/AAAAAAAAIR4/EqU1QawDlTYJwIgvZ24ju85M8lIMKNV9QCLcBGAs/s640/weekend.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />[AD] Photography is something I strive to get better at. Over this past year my love for photography has grown immensely, I love the idea of capturing a moment perfectly and being able to keep it forever.<br />&nbsp;When I first started this blog, I had taken the odd photo of food, myself, with friends etc. but had never really grasped how much I loved it until this past year or so.&nbsp; I always say that it's something I want to get better at, but when I look back, I've actually already come along way since my little slice of the internet began.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Cameras themselves have changed a lot in the time that I've been blogging too. My first camera was a little handy point and shoot, it was easy to use and light to carry. I then moved my way through a few more point and shoots until I got my DSLR. I love learning how to use a new camera, and getting out there and testing out its functions.&nbsp; Whether it's on my phone, or getting creative with my big camera, I just love taking photos! (much to my Husband's delight..) Panasonic have released their new Lumix G9, a luxury</span><a href="https://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras/dc-g9.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank"> 4k Wildlife &amp; Sports camera</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">, which has a high speed burst and auto focus tracking, making capturing moments so much easier. This means that it's the perfect type of camera for capturing the atmosphere of your surroundings, and encapsulating it in a flawless image. A prime example of how cameras have evolved, and improved over the years.</span><b></b><br /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Alongside cameras, blogging styles have changed too. Back when I first started blogging, I was a little lost trying to find my 'style'. Naturally I tried a bit of everything.<br /><br />This is from my 4th ever post back in 2013, and I couldn't help but chuckle at how beautifully I'd set up this shot, I mean look at the focus on that!....<i></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDlcDuaHwrk/Wmy0tCxavPI/AAAAAAAAIPU/M2eE46YCAuct4OTtUwer4UJPBDh1ig3nQCLcBGAs/s1600/old%2Bphotos%2Band%2Bnew%2B077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDlcDuaHwrk/Wmy0tCxavPI/AAAAAAAAIPU/M2eE46YCAuct4OTtUwer4UJPBDh1ig3nQCLcBGAs/s640/old%2Bphotos%2Band%2Bnew%2B077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i>Another fine set of examples...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIn7uA7vnQc/Wmy1QBUYgWI/AAAAAAAAIPc/vEREhLSjOXkYx3cCfXyQMNyN2S5OW0v0ACLcBGAs/s1600/shannons%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIn7uA7vnQc/Wmy1QBUYgWI/AAAAAAAAIPc/vEREhLSjOXkYx3cCfXyQMNyN2S5OW0v0ACLcBGAs/s640/shannons%2B006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6WnUIdQ9Hs/WmzCTU4irjI/AAAAAAAAIRI/EGkpDTrVvxs8Z8SLvRq6xczUdK9rBWSSACLcBGAs/s1600/blog%2B003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6WnUIdQ9Hs/WmzCTU4irjI/AAAAAAAAIRI/EGkpDTrVvxs8Z8SLvRq6xczUdK9rBWSSACLcBGAs/s640/blog%2B003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gOPUwSeWkY/WmzCuSa9b6I/AAAAAAAAIRM/tlJq0BJf0k4RYsKx6gnsVUvVQQvLYwo0gCLcBGAs/s1600/blogg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gOPUwSeWkY/WmzCuSa9b6I/AAAAAAAAIRM/tlJq0BJf0k4RYsKx6gnsVUvVQQvLYwo0gCLcBGAs/s640/blogg2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I played around with many different options (mainly just changing the background)<i> but I was trying</i>!<br /><i><br /></i>As the year's continued, more and more blog styles had emerged. Instagram had become a place where you stopped posting random pictures of crisps packets, and selfies, and become more of a place to share photography as an art form.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDWPJo36HDM/Wmy18urEG3I/AAAAAAAAIPk/zFF06xsprxwL3mvjNuLGBw4UrxbJZFXJwCLcBGAs/s1600/instagrM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDWPJo36HDM/Wmy18urEG3I/AAAAAAAAIPk/zFF06xsprxwL3mvjNuLGBw4UrxbJZFXJwCLcBGAs/s640/instagrM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'd seen perfectly set up products, on stunning white backgrounds, and again, still trying to find my fit in this community decided to give this style of photography a go. I did this for a while, but it still wasn't&nbsp; 'me'.&nbsp; Then there were also the beautifully poised 'candid' shots, that again I tried, but found very hard to achieve the same look, or should I say, the vision I had in my head.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQm9-6xezxY/Wmy3bp6JKMI/AAAAAAAAIPw/FQqDSHVnfE0Y1PRdOhizyqhEiVwTYNvagCLcBGAs/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQm9-6xezxY/Wmy3bp6JKMI/AAAAAAAAIPw/FQqDSHVnfE0Y1PRdOhizyqhEiVwTYNvagCLcBGAs/s640/me.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2IdgtT6Ozc/Wmy3tSowrGI/AAAAAAAAIP0/fUmxJLgU4rs0e3s-_SP_DaLnUx66ToW-QCLcBGAs/s1600/meee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2IdgtT6Ozc/Wmy3tSowrGI/AAAAAAAAIP0/fUmxJLgU4rs0e3s-_SP_DaLnUx66ToW-QCLcBGAs/s640/meee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It was only really this last year that I found my 'style' in photography, and this is where my love of taking pictures begins. I love to capture moments, rather than things. My photography has more depth, perspective and focus. I like to play with darker colours, and try to grasp the atmosphere of the moment. Little snippets of time.<br /><br />Thus my blog photography has changed immensely, and I'm rather pleased that I have found my style. In turn my love for photography has massively changed my blog content. I still love make up and fashion immensely, but I love to write about lifestyle more. I really enjoy sharing places we've been, things we've seen and what we've eaten. I like to capture the view as it looks to me, as well as the occasional 'follow along' photo.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMRxzTkwUyg/Wmy4e1jogVI/AAAAAAAAIQE/nzU8ZEUnEc09JMa5lIe6hp5FzjZlRrrwwCLcBGAs/s1600/blogphoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="616" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMRxzTkwUyg/Wmy4e1jogVI/AAAAAAAAIQE/nzU8ZEUnEc09JMa5lIe6hp5FzjZlRrrwwCLcBGAs/s640/blogphoto.png" width="618" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rRZA7px4Qs/Wmy6pT7LHAI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/mNwxkRQarQ4W9-YB-30vsii5_pYwFZSogCLcBGAs/s1600/20170707_132921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1571" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rRZA7px4Qs/Wmy6pT7LHAI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/mNwxkRQarQ4W9-YB-30vsii5_pYwFZSogCLcBGAs/s640/20170707_132921.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9NQk2Lmzkc/Wmy8xAhzAsI/AAAAAAAAIQc/lE16VwNwrxsqlCe-0oUpxAU4IzcITstWwCLcBGAs/s1600/bloggg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="715" height="578" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9NQk2Lmzkc/Wmy8xAhzAsI/AAAAAAAAIQc/lE16VwNwrxsqlCe-0oUpxAU4IzcITstWwCLcBGAs/s640/bloggg.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iPN5YlotAw/Wmy9rgHpKrI/AAAAAAAAIQo/z5_B0rznLRA7-lDG5AAhgfVSl0fycwh0QCLcBGAs/s1600/food.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="590" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iPN5YlotAw/Wmy9rgHpKrI/AAAAAAAAIQo/z5_B0rznLRA7-lDG5AAhgfVSl0fycwh0QCLcBGAs/s640/food.png" width="580" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhB-cBmTrqE/Wmy-VQHYqHI/AAAAAAAAIQw/p1q9SAJfSBk07B5VqqHwzO9x3BX0rLplACLcBGAs/s1600/20170909_140613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vhB-cBmTrqE/Wmy-VQHYqHI/AAAAAAAAIQw/p1q9SAJfSBk07B5VqqHwzO9x3BX0rLplACLcBGAs/s640/20170909_140613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1YNQVxvEPU/WmzBGaVit3I/AAAAAAAAIQ8/XYaIb7yuKLMb_LfZ5J3ecgKV4fhxbay9gCLcBGAs/s1600/country.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="672" height="614" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1YNQVxvEPU/WmzBGaVit3I/AAAAAAAAIQ8/XYaIb7yuKLMb_LfZ5J3ecgKV4fhxbay9gCLcBGAs/s640/country.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><br /></i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: &quot;times new roman&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I want to take photos that capture an emotion, and that give you the same sense of wonder that you feel when you're actually in the moment. These are the reasons I love photography, and the reason my photography has improved so much over the last year or so. I am by no means an expert, and there is still so much to learn, but I'm just happy in the knowledge that I'm getting there. </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One click at a time.</i><b></b><br /><i><b></b><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />* This content is Sponsored. All opinions are my own.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-37554474838162426422018-01-17T10:19:00.000-08:002018-01-17T10:19:01.339-08:00How I'm staying organised in 2018<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFvB9GkK4I0/Wl3VRSTTQdI/AAAAAAAAIOg/KrL1LouxckUYcKrSTmgAA1S9sgLVsyAPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UFvB9GkK4I0/Wl3VRSTTQdI/AAAAAAAAIOg/KrL1LouxckUYcKrSTmgAA1S9sgLVsyAPwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8383.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Every year I vow that I'm going to be more organised, every year I don't quite get there. Don't get me wrong I have come a long way over the last few years with remembering to pick up Birthday Cards and &nbsp;when to make appointments etc. but general day to day organisation could be much improved on.<br /><br />January is all about fresh starts, a whole new year to plan, and the best time to get organised. I have a lot of 'stuff' on my to do list, from clearing out my wardrobe, to organising our kitchen.&nbsp; I actually love a good list, if I have a lot on my mind, or a lot to get done in a day then I make a list. There's something I find satisfying about ticking it off when I've completed a task. I make them for shopping, places I want to visit, when I'm packing, when I'm buying gifts etc. <i>I just love lists.</i> So I will be making a whole lot more of them this year.<br /><br />I always start the year with grand plans, but often forget about them later down the line. So this year I've employed a few tactics to help myself stay organised in 2018.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUD2iEJozYs/Wl3WOLXOdnI/AAAAAAAAIOs/W8cI6wz17BU5hTpQcXalTGb_wp_oAHH1ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUD2iEJozYs/Wl3WOLXOdnI/AAAAAAAAIOs/W8cI6wz17BU5hTpQcXalTGb_wp_oAHH1ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />They mainly come in 3 paper forms. <br /><br />1. <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">The Calendar</span>. I have a new noticeboard up as you enter our kitchen with a brand new 2018 Calendar pinned to it. This is the 'must remember' element of my organisation, the birthdays, appointments, bills to pay. <br /><br />It's easily accessible, I enter the kitchen every day and it's&nbsp;simple and quick&nbsp;to check. I'm hoping for no last minute rushing around for presents and no forgetting about appointments/ arrangements I have made.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2. <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">The Diary</span>. Last year I didn't keep a diary, I had a 'bullet journal' only. However, I found that I didn't use the 'monthly' section of my bullet journal enough. Therefore this year I have bought a diary, this will be used to fill in what days I'm working,&nbsp;what plans we've made for weekends, when people are coming to ours etc. <br /><br />It will be a more personal and detailed version of the calendar. I can pop it&nbsp;into my bag and take it around with me. Then when anyone asks when I'm free, or when my next available weekend is, I can quickly check on the spot, instead of having to get back to people. Making it easier to make commitments, and also not double book or over stretch myself with too many plans.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEH4JnpCzBA/Wl3ZAaNyZBI/AAAAAAAAIO4/BRUZvi93a6QNMpNPQCAFPwOpKtLOAWSEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEH4JnpCzBA/Wl3ZAaNyZBI/AAAAAAAAIO4/BRUZvi93a6QNMpNPQCAFPwOpKtLOAWSEQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />3. <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">The 'Bullet Journal'</span>, in quotation marks as I haven't bought<i> the</i> bullet journal. I am instead using a trusty notepad and filling the pages bullet journal style. I did this for the last part of 2017 and I found the sections that were most useful to me were; Content Planning, Meal Planning, Budget Tracking and Spending Log.<br /><br />I&nbsp;have been&nbsp;using it to help plan out blog content for the month, meaning I've been able to keep up my blogging more consistently.&nbsp; It also helps when you have a moment of sheer genius for a post and need to write it down somewhere before you forget!<br /><br />My favourite pages&nbsp;are the budget planning and spending log, it's amazing how many little transactions you make, and how much they add up. If you check out my 2018 Goals, you will see that saving more is up there on my list, and I'm hoping that these pages will help me on my way with that resolution. Under the same theme, meal planning has been a game changer. I don't know why we never did it before! The food shop is much cheaper, and I don't have&nbsp; to think about what to cook every night, I just consult my journal and it's there.<br /><br />One section I will be adding to my Bullet Journal this year&nbsp;is a Seasonal Capsule Wardrobe page. I am hoping to de-clutter and refine my wardrobe this year (wish me luck!). Alongside the theme of spending less, I want to purchase less. I'm hoping by curating a capsule wardrobe I won't have anymore panic buys for those impromptu dinners and nights out. I also want to be able to open my wardrobe and easily select an outfit. I'll be popping up a post at the end of February all about what was in my capsule wardrobe for winter, alongside a list of items I want to add to my spring capsule wardrobe. If any of you have tips for curating an organised wardrobe, or a capsule wardrobe please send them in my direction, I need all the help I can get!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90leaQrtIks/Wl3aMdjqopI/AAAAAAAAIPE/_xHVAmM_lzsXwZy5JtrK6hhR1zJhuarygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90leaQrtIks/Wl3aMdjqopI/AAAAAAAAIPE/_xHVAmM_lzsXwZy5JtrK6hhR1zJhuarygCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8396.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Other little organisation tips I'm employing</span>:<br /><br />- Keeping a stock of cards/ wrapping paper/ gift bags <br />- Regular clear out of kitchen cupboards and freezer<br />-&nbsp;Starting a&nbsp;Cleaning schedule (deep clean oven etc)<br />- Storage solutions - wardrobe, beauty, kitchen.<br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-47135067768819814192018-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:002018-01-03T10:18:52.358-08:00Our Stay at High Lodge Farm, Upper Milton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FY4RglS4AeI/WkwPKSE5suI/AAAAAAAAIMM/46ENBZIlEUASDbPct4kGxFo1lEZpDnFWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FY4RglS4AeI/WkwPKSE5suI/AAAAAAAAIMM/46ENBZIlEUASDbPct4kGxFo1lEZpDnFWgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slDKPZzdGB8/WiR-3AZP0NI/AAAAAAAAH-I/1UswtVY0cI4GvBOiOFCErFfZxp5zmD8YACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_160133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-slDKPZzdGB8/WiR-3AZP0NI/AAAAAAAAH-I/1UswtVY0cI4GvBOiOFCErFfZxp5zmD8YACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_160133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGfZy0TyK5M/WiSBROpx21I/AAAAAAAAH-Y/HHSVGFxE_OQLFTA_wZdnT_z-kjTj1lQ1QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_160113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGfZy0TyK5M/WiSBROpx21I/AAAAAAAAH-Y/HHSVGFxE_OQLFTA_wZdnT_z-kjTj1lQ1QCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_160113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.highlodgefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">High Lodge&nbsp;Farm</a> is a stunning B&amp;B in Upper Milton, not far from the gorgeous Cotswold town of Burford. I stumbled across it by chance when I was googling where to stay for our first anniversary trip. I was immediately taken with it's picturesque setting, and perfectly styled rooms.<br /><br />There was ample parking when we arrived, and the building itself is insanely impressive, surrounded by country lanes and fields, the ultimate retreat. <br /><br />We headed to the huge main door, where we were warmly greeted by Kirsten, her little boy and Maggie their friendly dog. We immediately felt at home.<br /><br />We&nbsp;pottered up to our room, trying not to mark the stunning white carpet as we went! When we arrived at our room, number 3. The whole family showed us in, Kirsten even offered to make us tea/coffee though there was already facilities in our room, which was incredibly thoughtful. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjpIV2CGgXU/WkwR9UE0RKI/AAAAAAAAIMg/Kt9ziI-Y1SEk2-03Y21S8hWMJ2s5QT8ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CjpIV2CGgXU/WkwR9UE0RKI/AAAAAAAAIMg/Kt9ziI-Y1SEk2-03Y21S8hWMJ2s5QT8ZwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s40lCK_8l8k/WkwZ4oliaCI/AAAAAAAAINw/6MO8YmVM0XsKaT-vRj0A9MP2ExRHtCd2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s40lCK_8l8k/WkwZ4oliaCI/AAAAAAAAINw/6MO8YmVM0XsKaT-vRj0A9MP2ExRHtCd2gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htzu_b8FyU4/Wkwce4gqxBI/AAAAAAAAIN8/kscO1aUl5B4B8Cj4Y9riPuF2vTGlBMx6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htzu_b8FyU4/Wkwce4gqxBI/AAAAAAAAIN8/kscO1aUl5B4B8Cj4Y9riPuF2vTGlBMx6gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After a little chat and a tour of our room, we were given our keys and left to settle in. I had a little mooch round, taking in all the details and having a read through the information folder, before we decided to have a little nap! I can confirm that the bed is luxuriously comfortable, and I could have happily stayed there all night if we hadn't already&nbsp;made dinner plans! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbMpu62Y0p0/WkwPyiNdaLI/AAAAAAAAIMU/4A3rrWm2Ei8vZo-hFXzZ31Yg_rw_9o4nwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbMpu62Y0p0/WkwPyiNdaLI/AAAAAAAAIMU/4A3rrWm2Ei8vZo-hFXzZ31Yg_rw_9o4nwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8233.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />After venturing out into Burford for dinner, we arrived back around 10:30, hopped straight into bed and fell asleep. I was awoken in the middle of the night to an owl hooting happily, which I have to say was quite exciting! I quickly fell back to sleep, <i>waking my husband up first to alert him of the owl,</i> aren't I a thoughtful wife...<br /><br />My favourite thing about the room was drawing back the curtains in the morning&nbsp;and getting to appreciate the stunning view. The sun peeped through the trees, instantly brightening the day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2EbLmeEZIk/WkwTWt1Po4I/AAAAAAAAIMs/ZRzRe-2WUAY2UcIiByRPNG3_qBjMlOw_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2EbLmeEZIk/WkwTWt1Po4I/AAAAAAAAIMs/ZRzRe-2WUAY2UcIiByRPNG3_qBjMlOw_gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The room itself is even more gorgeous in daylight, with crisp white bedding, perfect cream carpets and luxury accessories. We had a fully stocked tea tray, <i>with hot chocolate and Kit Kats!</i> The bed was big and fluffy, with amazingly plump pillows that&nbsp;I must now get for our own bed. I could not recommend it more.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-jBTumL8M4/WkwT5i7pbZI/AAAAAAAAIM0/tLxNYNEVugwmh3WXjNgo2TlE_RVIcSNbQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P-jBTumL8M4/WkwT5i7pbZI/AAAAAAAAIM0/tLxNYNEVugwmh3WXjNgo2TlE_RVIcSNbQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER1eIW4dKuE/WkwUompfBXI/AAAAAAAAIM8/jgjNp5azYQQivffoNaB-bwknXtuxYoOBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ER1eIW4dKuE/WkwUompfBXI/AAAAAAAAIM8/jgjNp5azYQQivffoNaB-bwknXtuxYoOBQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We had a little lie in and headed down for breakfast around 9am. The breakfast room was&nbsp;a lovely bright space, with light pink walls and pale wooden shutters. It was delicately decorated with beautiful furnishings,&nbsp;which really set a tranquil tone to the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_ajnpq0EMg/WkwU17f10nI/AAAAAAAAINA/dnKDJ-cCpawMEUZ1afw6DIpznBP98CMmgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_090521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l_ajnpq0EMg/WkwU17f10nI/AAAAAAAAINA/dnKDJ-cCpawMEUZ1afw6DIpznBP98CMmgCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_090521.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GeDfKSAKKQ/WkwVOaGkobI/AAAAAAAAINI/JYlku2iW17cuIbuBmWpELMOwEnGcLIV9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_092518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GeDfKSAKKQ/WkwVOaGkobI/AAAAAAAAINI/JYlku2iW17cuIbuBmWpELMOwEnGcLIV9wCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_092518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We had a choice of breakfast, I went for a slightly lighter option of crossaints, which came out deliciously warm with homemade jam. Stephen had the 'farmhouse breakfast' with beans, scrambled egg, bacon and sausages, which he really enjoyed. We accompanied breakfast with plenty of coffee and orange juice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-WhZRmt4b8/WkwVpCDG6II/AAAAAAAAINM/ZuJGngHzZzEOd1-k9dpnC-bpI9X40zHxgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_093015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-WhZRmt4b8/WkwVpCDG6II/AAAAAAAAINM/ZuJGngHzZzEOd1-k9dpnC-bpI9X40zHxgCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_093015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3DvlgXiPaU/WkwVpSoNJCI/AAAAAAAAINQ/BF5qeo3jZ309Y-WtBmPR5ZNZU7e0KUFrACLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_093021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3DvlgXiPaU/WkwVpSoNJCI/AAAAAAAAINQ/BF5qeo3jZ309Y-WtBmPR5ZNZU7e0KUFrACLcBGAs/s640/20171119_093021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We finished our breakfast and headed back up to the room for a final potter around before collecting our bag and heading off home.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSgKyKeHbus/WkwYYCX1f8I/AAAAAAAAINk/2ZbQ1mTiQ7AfTRY8QuSe5lStFD93yNljgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_100045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSgKyKeHbus/WkwYYCX1f8I/AAAAAAAAINk/2ZbQ1mTiQ7AfTRY8QuSe5lStFD93yNljgCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_100045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />If you are looking for a new years retreat, I would definitely recommend<a href="http://www.highlodgefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank"> High Lodge Farm</a>. It's in a peaceful countryside surrounding, yet is a short drive to some stunning Cotswold towns and villages. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0D_wJY-lE9A/WkwczmtO5aI/AAAAAAAAIOA/N5JEu-QoREU2Zkqw8gQjgzBsu0ldNFl4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0D_wJY-lE9A/WkwczmtO5aI/AAAAAAAAIOA/N5JEu-QoREU2Zkqw8gQjgzBsu0ldNFl4QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Find out what we did on our Cotswold Trip<a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/12/an-autumn-weekend-in-cotswolds.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-11383145414191832952018-01-01T05:56:00.000-08:002018-01-01T05:56:43.707-08:00Top Ten Moments of 2017 & My 2018 Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDWvdDDU_Vo/Wko86CJ18oI/AAAAAAAAILg/3qvEsenumBMBiKX2hHERdJpUgj3PYN_DQCLcBGAs/s1600/newyear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="705" height="588" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDWvdDDU_Vo/Wko86CJ18oI/AAAAAAAAILg/3qvEsenumBMBiKX2hHERdJpUgj3PYN_DQCLcBGAs/s640/newyear.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It only feels like yesterday that I was typing up the 2016 top ten moments, and here we are another new year laid out in front of us. Is it me, or don't you just love the prospect of a whole new year&nbsp;to make&nbsp;plans for, like a new notepad ready to be written on. I love starting a&nbsp;fresh new year, but I never forget to look back on the year that's just passed, and what memories we have made. It's only when I flick back through my camera role I actually appreciate how much I have packed into one year, and soon realised why it's gone so fast!<br /><br />This year won't beat last years top ten in terms of life moments&nbsp;<i> (we got married last year!)</i> but it certainly has got lots of lovely little memories nestled in it, Our first year as Mr &amp; Mrs,&nbsp;so I thought I would share them on here, my little internet memory bank.<br /><br /><br />1.&nbsp;The start of the year saw me attend some amazing events with Intu Victoria Centre, one of my favourites has to be the February&nbsp;Galentine's event. We had a boozy brunch, followed by make overs, all with a bunch of lovely ladies I have met during my time blogging.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu0cpVUWagI/WkjTzAi_TQI/AAAAAAAAIK4/9chvCGVrgRI4CCMy0iN3Jowg-VllRNOxgCLcBGAs/s1600/galentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu0cpVUWagI/WkjTzAi_TQI/AAAAAAAAIK4/9chvCGVrgRI4CCMy0iN3Jowg-VllRNOxgCLcBGAs/s640/galentines.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xv5eqjKd9Qw/WkjT6Z-w9EI/AAAAAAAAIK8/zhhRyydSl7E4qWe6_yC2C5l7jJ0uKG5EACLcBGAs/s1600/galentiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xv5eqjKd9Qw/WkjT6Z-w9EI/AAAAAAAAIK8/zhhRyydSl7E4qWe6_yC2C5l7jJ0uKG5EACLcBGAs/s640/galentiness.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />2. March saw us head to Windermere in the Lake District. It's somewhere I had been wanting to go for a long time, and we had finally booked it. We stayed in a gorgeous little B&amp;B and it really kicked off my love for exploring the UK, hence the many trips that followed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjg0uqM995s/WkguQbeBrVI/AAAAAAAAIHY/gYD0Lh2PZGIWmIwLzWKhnNz97F7GL_xIQCLcBGAs/s1600/winder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yjg0uqM995s/WkguQbeBrVI/AAAAAAAAIHY/gYD0Lh2PZGIWmIwLzWKhnNz97F7GL_xIQCLcBGAs/s640/winder.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWGCTmpsnQ/WkguQLUlooI/AAAAAAAAIHU/YuG409aGLHUA7yJuXsdhsO5tVyjvveyzwCLcBGAs/s1600/windermere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFWGCTmpsnQ/WkguQLUlooI/AAAAAAAAIHU/YuG409aGLHUA7yJuXsdhsO5tVyjvveyzwCLcBGAs/s640/windermere.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />3. Summer was incredible, we&nbsp;went on so many long walks,&nbsp;took a trip&nbsp;to the outdoor cinema at Wollaton Hall,&nbsp;went to Beer Festivals, and just enjoyed those sun filled days.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLJx_lHUBFI/Wkgvq1Y5fhI/AAAAAAAAIHk/oG_HkVx7fXsPjHwfLmtMbZO2HXGZ8toiwCLcBGAs/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="640" height="610" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLJx_lHUBFI/Wkgvq1Y5fhI/AAAAAAAAIHk/oG_HkVx7fXsPjHwfLmtMbZO2HXGZ8toiwCLcBGAs/s640/summer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-outU-JtRWzQ/WkjSuNsfahI/AAAAAAAAIKo/5WglP1RLB-4C9rxcacI0Qw4n3qRfCmmTACLcBGAs/s1600/summerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="634" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-outU-JtRWzQ/WkjSuNsfahI/AAAAAAAAIKo/5WglP1RLB-4C9rxcacI0Qw4n3qRfCmmTACLcBGAs/s640/summerr.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LytRpXfEDs/WkjSu_sb2-I/AAAAAAAAIKs/cbXJdRZ6-Sggb0hAlGzy1eBhHC7HcZqSACLcBGAs/s1600/summerr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="475" height="576" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LytRpXfEDs/WkjSu_sb2-I/AAAAAAAAIKs/cbXJdRZ6-Sggb0hAlGzy1eBhHC7HcZqSACLcBGAs/s640/summerr.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />4. July saw us go away to Brixham in Devon with my family, we haven't been on a family holiday in years and I have to say it was wonderful. Brixham is such a gorgeous place and we dropped extremely lucky in the weather department. We had many sunny days sat on the little balcony or sipping gin outside a bar.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxshkD0qjHo/WkgwF-ANWEI/AAAAAAAAIHo/0r21GCsbWEcZTdzkGjY9nqNRDx2f18JiwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170704_132255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1486" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxshkD0qjHo/WkgwF-ANWEI/AAAAAAAAIHo/0r21GCsbWEcZTdzkGjY9nqNRDx2f18JiwCLcBGAs/s640/20170704_132255.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehO_HcMW1sg/Wki0hoK4v_I/AAAAAAAAIIE/lG4wGYTgnUQ_epXk28DN9QLC7UGuX7S3QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170706_210011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1476" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehO_HcMW1sg/Wki0hoK4v_I/AAAAAAAAIIE/lG4wGYTgnUQ_epXk28DN9QLC7UGuX7S3QCLcBGAs/s640/20170706_210011.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><br /><br />5. Summer also saw me get into gardening, something I really hope to carry on in 2018. I love making our home look pretty, and this interior passion has now spread to the outdoors. This has also led to me discovering open gardens, which if you're both nosy and love gardening is amazing! You get to mooch around other peoples gardens to see how they've transformed a variety of spaces. My favourite this year has to be Winster's open gardens, their homes are absolutely gorgeous and all of the owners were so welcoming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhxjKC-rKUg/WkjBIW74C3I/AAAAAAAAIIU/rqez_Yw2siwRxFK_xQY0Be_Pyl2a8MzEQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_141019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhxjKC-rKUg/WkjBIW74C3I/AAAAAAAAIIU/rqez_Yw2siwRxFK_xQY0Be_Pyl2a8MzEQCLcBGAs/s640/20170715_141019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQ9t0ltOL4/WkjBdNDw9II/AAAAAAAAIIY/qVvZav_GeOY4j4nUaUzmdZWxPZlAybfeACLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_154627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqQ9t0ltOL4/WkjBdNDw9II/AAAAAAAAIIY/qVvZav_GeOY4j4nUaUzmdZWxPZlAybfeACLcBGAs/s640/20170715_154627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkMrU2Ug2vI/WkjCXH7bGfI/AAAAAAAAIIk/ybL1S155XG47EvZ3kkSgacZGCScbqSPDACLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_161101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkMrU2Ug2vI/WkjCXH7bGfI/AAAAAAAAIIk/ybL1S155XG47EvZ3kkSgacZGCScbqSPDACLcBGAs/s640/20170715_161101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />6. September saw us take another trip, this time down to the south coast. We explored Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings and Rye. It was such a fun and memorable trip, eating lots of delicious food and exploring all of the cute lanes and shops.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHblKk3iXjw/WkjEkOZ9FsI/AAAAAAAAIIw/j-DPzPFwPj8zBZxkR4u0H4bwzgE9ABU5ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170917_180527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHblKk3iXjw/WkjEkOZ9FsI/AAAAAAAAIIw/j-DPzPFwPj8zBZxkR4u0H4bwzgE9ABU5ACLcBGAs/s640/20170917_180527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4B-whDxHhc/WkjF4-ROv5I/AAAAAAAAII8/fuAYira6J7Ee9Pw63QKo1KdlGWln1-gjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170921_075313_370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e4B-whDxHhc/WkjF4-ROv5I/AAAAAAAAII8/fuAYira6J7Ee9Pw63QKo1KdlGWln1-gjgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170921_075313_370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaiJIx-DeMM/WkjGoozvuMI/AAAAAAAAIJE/Qtt7nnyuAL4UAPucO5-9HKVAyidpQWUagCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_111057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaiJIx-DeMM/WkjGoozvuMI/AAAAAAAAIJE/Qtt7nnyuAL4UAPucO5-9HKVAyidpQWUagCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_111057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />7. Socialising. This year has been a good one for socialising. I have met up with friends for drinks, outdoor cinemas, walks and more. I hope that I can continue with this into 2018, I'm hoping to have a few more pizza &amp; gin nights at my house too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYd90jI6Aug/WkjJJ8NvSTI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/7HnNq660eiARP3nnt8Qkv8uYA17SRDI9ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170825_192609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1550" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYd90jI6Aug/WkjJJ8NvSTI/AAAAAAAAIJQ/7HnNq660eiARP3nnt8Qkv8uYA17SRDI9ACLcBGAs/s640/20170825_192609.jpg" width="618" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu7aiztwqJk/WkjMG1btoTI/AAAAAAAAIJs/teD9gibkyYE1M3mA0HVE1ytgUo15KKrWQCLcBGAs/s1600/freinds.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="689" height="532" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hu7aiztwqJk/WkjMG1btoTI/AAAAAAAAIJs/teD9gibkyYE1M3mA0HVE1ytgUo15KKrWQCLcBGAs/s640/freinds.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5qgUrOXAO4/WkjJmu0pcDI/AAAAAAAAIJU/pBFBmOq_vuokF1NpXSUaUMzUgXWrZ8g1gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_214105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5qgUrOXAO4/WkjJmu0pcDI/AAAAAAAAIJU/pBFBmOq_vuokF1NpXSUaUMzUgXWrZ8g1gCLcBGAs/s640/20170715_214105.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />8. Making the most of our weekends off together. I vowed to ensure our weekends off this year were filled with fun activities. We certainly did that, we went to tea rooms, walks, went on a trip to Warwick, and later in the year joined the National Trust, meaning that we had even more places to visit!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIJ79RMmF7U/WkjVeal9LrI/AAAAAAAAILI/m3bwG6VD2vktfXebK--lb5JA2EiCfvgYQCLcBGAs/s1600/biddulph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="640" height="596" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIJ79RMmF7U/WkjVeal9LrI/AAAAAAAAILI/m3bwG6VD2vktfXebK--lb5JA2EiCfvgYQCLcBGAs/s640/biddulph.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1p489vXSVY/WkjVflNyVPI/AAAAAAAAILM/9ZDAs2zq5v8pB7j_6xjFzqAO45lE0SPngCLcBGAs/s1600/tearooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="625" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1p489vXSVY/WkjVflNyVPI/AAAAAAAAILM/9ZDAs2zq5v8pB7j_6xjFzqAO45lE0SPngCLcBGAs/s640/tearooms.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxSHfLKgwQ4/WkjVhGk3ktI/AAAAAAAAILQ/O_0WuNGWQRYOHFJMJek07x1Z2CUqm12GACLcBGAs/s1600/weekendsss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hxSHfLKgwQ4/WkjVhGk3ktI/AAAAAAAAILQ/O_0WuNGWQRYOHFJMJek07x1Z2CUqm12GACLcBGAs/s640/weekendsss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />9. November brought us to our First Wedding Anniversary! I cannot get over how quickly the time has gone and that its already been over a year since our special day. We took (another) trip, this time to the stunning Cotswolds. We stayed in a gorgeous farm house close to Burford, where we got to enjoy the magical autumn colours, and see the Christmas season peeking in.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qTo_eNd4Hc/WkjPNu7FQEI/AAAAAAAAIKY/TRVilKdmOQE6f2nCmlhhPbx-mTlZ_gHSgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171118_164837_189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qTo_eNd4Hc/WkjPNu7FQEI/AAAAAAAAIKY/TRVilKdmOQE6f2nCmlhhPbx-mTlZ_gHSgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171118_164837_189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls475EE2JW0/WkjPEfXBOEI/AAAAAAAAIKg/rDHLp9m2g2A362KTshNaI_9iEIs8z9GHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171118_135417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ls475EE2JW0/WkjPEfXBOEI/AAAAAAAAIKg/rDHLp9m2g2A362KTshNaI_9iEIs8z9GHgCEwYBhgL/s640/20171118_135417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxIVFVc9IfY/WkjPWM2DTvI/AAAAAAAAIKg/qMPolUUTuqwf1A_vHP4x2RZCGVEisKhgQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20171118_122957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxIVFVc9IfY/WkjPWM2DTvI/AAAAAAAAIKg/qMPolUUTuqwf1A_vHP4x2RZCGVEisKhgQCEwYBhgL/s640/20171118_122957.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><br />10. December brought us lots of festivities, I booked the whole week before Christmas off so that we could fill it with Christmas markets, winter walks and parties. We definitely made the most of our time over the Christmas period together, and I really didn't want it to end. Alas though, the New Year awaits and we're already busy making plans.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ngehruXoKVM/WkjNV6lGk2I/AAAAAAAAIJ8/cdxO5kWWO4YbTxU4R8xx6V_snei9TKZLQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171212_140941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ngehruXoKVM/WkjNV6lGk2I/AAAAAAAAIJ8/cdxO5kWWO4YbTxU4R8xx6V_snei9TKZLQCLcBGAs/s640/20171212_140941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd0AsU85zjw/WkjNVPfoGNI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/3tPPUHfkwvkfU4M6yKuxNgbTeqiOaqCNACLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_125628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd0AsU85zjw/WkjNVPfoGNI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/3tPPUHfkwvkfU4M6yKuxNgbTeqiOaqCNACLcBGAs/s640/20171216_125628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8eg1LqnIIsE/WkjODex3ufI/AAAAAAAAIKE/n05J0DC0M9YRHsKIEMwgMNFxpz6Gkr7igCLcBGAs/s1600/christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="647" height="632" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8eg1LqnIIsE/WkjODex3ufI/AAAAAAAAIKE/n05J0DC0M9YRHsKIEMwgMNFxpz6Gkr7igCLcBGAs/s640/christmas.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhBvvR1tlqc/WkjOEDiCirI/AAAAAAAAIKI/37w2zCeSa4E9nQNK0A8m_kdMsBsMd6DNACLcBGAs/s1600/christms.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="623" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RhBvvR1tlqc/WkjOEDiCirI/AAAAAAAAIKI/37w2zCeSa4E9nQNK0A8m_kdMsBsMd6DNACLcBGAs/s640/christms.png" width="618" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Now for my 2018 goals. I had a cheeky look back to my 2017 goals which you can have a read of <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/01/top-ten-moments-of-2016-my-2017-goals.html" target="_blank">here</a> too, I have to say with some I have done very well, others not so much! I am yet to start my driving lessons back up, and still miles away from my 1000 twitter goal,<i> maybe this year? </i>Though I am fairly pleased with what I have achieved and have thoroughly enjoyed the year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRMt0HkEhyw/Wko9VmEG6nI/AAAAAAAAILk/wzBMRuVq0-0kSq4fhij25nYKt_Iw3byKgCLcBGAs/s1600/newyearr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="709" height="574" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qRMt0HkEhyw/Wko9VmEG6nI/AAAAAAAAILk/wzBMRuVq0-0kSq4fhij25nYKt_Iw3byKgCLcBGAs/s640/newyearr.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">My 2018 Goals</span><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div>1. Learn to use my camera better. I love photography but I have had the habit of using my phone to take shots as its just so much easier to use.<br /><br /></div><div>2. Curate a capsule wardrobe. I have started to employ this already, but I definitely could do with a mega clear out. <br /><br /></div><div>3. Learn to sew. I have a few projects I want to have a go at, but need to learn first!<br /><br /></div><div>4. Print out photos. I have so many on my phone/laptop but need to start printing them.<br /><br /></div><div>5. Put more into savings, this is a big one for me, and I'm hoping with my bullet journal I can be more savvy on the old spending front.<br /><br /></div><div>6. The elusive 1000 twitter followers. Is it cliché to put it in again as a wishful thinking goal? gotta aim for something, right?!<br /><br /></div><div>7. Visit as many National Trust properties as possible. I see&nbsp;many&nbsp;long summer walks, picnic basket in tow.<br /><br /></div><div>8. Continue to make more time for socialising. I love socialising with our friends and long may it continue.<br /><br /></div><div>9. Finish one room in the house.<i> Surely we can do this?!</i> I mean the living room only needs new blinds now!<br /><br /></div>10. Learn Calligraphy. I love lettering and pretty signs so I thought I could have a go at it myself. It will also come in useful for a little project idea I have.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for continuing to read my little old blog,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope your 2018 is wonderful.</div><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-41959046772194357022017-12-24T14:23:00.001-08:002017-12-24T14:23:18.702-08:00Christmas with the Harts | Week 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GP3tvVRwMc/WjVvfw7h0CI/AAAAAAAAIC4/3am_AoTKbToYzdzPFtwKl358Uyrx5VqSQCLcBGAs/s1600/stamford.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="679" height="598" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GP3tvVRwMc/WjVvfw7h0CI/AAAAAAAAIC4/3am_AoTKbToYzdzPFtwKl358Uyrx5VqSQCLcBGAs/s640/stamford.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;">Saturday 16th December</span><br /><br />Today we got up and set off to Stamford in Lincolnshire. It's only around an hours drive and I've been wanting to visit for a while. We were originally going to go on Tuesday but due to the bad weather we waited until today. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2Y_WVKBjeI/WjooOMnyHMI/AAAAAAAAIDI/Y6PxE9Y4fIE5Jyq1aQUAQvDrU11kBYxVQCLcBGAs/s1600/stamford2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="681" height="606" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2Y_WVKBjeI/WjooOMnyHMI/AAAAAAAAIDI/Y6PxE9Y4fIE5Jyq1aQUAQvDrU11kBYxVQCLcBGAs/s640/stamford2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When we arrived we parked up the car and headed in search of a hot drink before we began exploring. We stumbled across so many lovely cafes and ended up at Café au Chocolat, for none other than a hot chocolate! <i>I swear my blood is purely hot chocolate now with the gallons I've been consuming. </i>I had a raspberry and lavender hot chocolate and it was <i><u>seriously</u></i> tasty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64kTYsFxwM8/Wjo80y6bAWI/AAAAAAAAIDk/E7uhgTp__R8WFwuDK8ZCicHCA_mJikVGwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_124902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64kTYsFxwM8/Wjo80y6bAWI/AAAAAAAAIDk/E7uhgTp__R8WFwuDK8ZCicHCA_mJikVGwCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_124902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMHTwfhJg64/Wjo9p_Ukf_I/AAAAAAAAIDw/U0dmbtAu0wMIuG5UQmYxcQ_f0DJuNuFawCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_123351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMHTwfhJg64/Wjo9p_Ukf_I/AAAAAAAAIDw/U0dmbtAu0wMIuG5UQmYxcQ_f0DJuNuFawCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_123351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div>We did a bit of planning, and then&nbsp;headed off in search of cheese for our Christmas Party. We walked along some gorgeous roads, with pretty houses whose front doors were donned with gorgeous wreaths. The ultimate house&nbsp;goals.&nbsp;We then&nbsp;stumbled across the Cheese Cellar, and made a very festive purchase. Cheese with cranberries and festive spices, which we cannot wait to tuck into! I also admired their amazing gin selection, but managed to restrain myself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pavYp_yi3fw/WjorX8m2pdI/AAAAAAAAIDU/WE6FqzXj7Ncp0NSVt_V0naNiQ1gdZQcngCLcBGAs/s1600/stamford3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="574" height="630" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pavYp_yi3fw/WjorX8m2pdI/AAAAAAAAIDU/WE6FqzXj7Ncp0NSVt_V0naNiQ1gdZQcngCLcBGAs/s640/stamford3.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muFosuJhkZE/Wjo-P2LNJpI/AAAAAAAAID4/XyhAwnueIPwEM9G0F1FA9Jo_BVadEJKTwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_151052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muFosuJhkZE/Wjo-P2LNJpI/AAAAAAAAID4/XyhAwnueIPwEM9G0F1FA9Jo_BVadEJKTwCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_151052.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We&nbsp;carried on&nbsp;to the shops, which there are so many gorgeous ones to choose from. Chez Soi is incredible, specialising in modern country interiors it looked so beautiful. There were tables adorned with delicate trinkets, and vintage shelves lined with lots of goodies. I could have bought everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also popped into Sophie Allport, as I have been following them on Instagram for a while and when I saw they had a store in Stamford I knew we had to go in. I loved their window displays, so Christmassy! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8i8ZgTmG6Uo/Wjq1Uz4AafI/AAAAAAAAIEI/deeC-vDNOH8HZQ39yZDhwR6_53NO9szggCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_125528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8i8ZgTmG6Uo/Wjq1Uz4AafI/AAAAAAAAIEI/deeC-vDNOH8HZQ39yZDhwR6_53NO9szggCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_125528.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Taking a little break from shopping, we wandered down over the bridge to take some pretty photos looking back at Stamford. It seriously is such a beautiful town.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-5UtF7J-VI/Wjq255luzMI/AAAAAAAAIEU/g0R5EwqdXh8SyKGtOgBEmwL2z22HksRdQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_131807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-5UtF7J-VI/Wjq255luzMI/AAAAAAAAIEU/g0R5EwqdXh8SyKGtOgBEmwL2z22HksRdQCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_131807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0I2nXBskAg/Wjq3JV0bTGI/AAAAAAAAIEY/XB2tXhE8_ZkleWNYj6VNpUTOvBFTpVsAQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_132506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0I2nXBskAg/Wjq3JV0bTGI/AAAAAAAAIEY/XB2tXhE8_ZkleWNYj6VNpUTOvBFTpVsAQCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_132506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>We doubled back, popping in and out of a few more stores, even making a purchase at Hoptroff &amp; Lee antiques. I couldn't resist this dainty pheasant bell, he now takes pride of place on our living room book case, and I have <i>joked</i> to my husband that I'll use it when I want a tea/gin from him!</div><div><br /></div><div>To round off our short trip to Stamford we finished at Cloisters Italian for some scrumptious pizza's. Before heading back to the car for our journey home. We are definitely going to be coming back here again, maybe for a weekend break as I really want to visit Burghley House too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjIq1A6nI-M/Wjq3nfe1nVI/AAAAAAAAIEg/ev1n1ELYYlEEU365Syppf88z1fCkjZc0ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_144102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjIq1A6nI-M/Wjq3nfe1nVI/AAAAAAAAIEg/ev1n1ELYYlEEU365Syppf88z1fCkjZc0ACLcBGAs/s640/20171216_144102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #bf9000;">Sunday 17th December</span><br /><br />Today we went to do some shopping in Derby. It was extremely busy and lets be frank not very successful! I had gone for a few bits and bobs but didn't actually end up getting that much. Instead we did have a very yummy dinner in the Cosy Club, which if you are ever in Derby I would recommend visiting. Their food is incredible and the interior décor is something to be marvelled at!<br /><br />Instead I retired to the sofa in the afternoon to do a spot more online shopping. Our oven seems to be on the blink which is extremely annoying the week before Christmas! Good job my parents are cooking this year!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRtu4-uvNQ8/Wj_2Jc4PeTI/AAAAAAAAIEw/pFiO4hY1Cz8e2MiveuA0piVb82uklvytgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171216_201135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRtu4-uvNQ8/Wj_2Jc4PeTI/AAAAAAAAIEw/pFiO4hY1Cz8e2MiveuA0piVb82uklvytgCLcBGAs/s640/20171216_201135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Monday 18th December</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">I headed into Nottingham with my family for a mooch around and grab some last minute bits and pieces. I could not believe how busy it was for a Monday morning and the buzz of Christmas shoppers going about their day was interesting to watch. It makes me glad that I've finished my gift buying! </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">We had a quick potter around the Christmas Market, but I am going back again tomorrow evening with Stephens family to get some food and have a better look around. Instead we stopped and watched the ice skaters before heading on for some dinner. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1gpE297HQ/Wj_2fTH80MI/AAAAAAAAIE0/Xsn5NXBY1FEWenIv6NpQJkNtbr8S0_1vACLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_140903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1gpE297HQ/Wj_2fTH80MI/AAAAAAAAIE0/Xsn5NXBY1FEWenIv6NpQJkNtbr8S0_1vACLcBGAs/s640/20171218_140903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EX0Q67qsGzc/Wj_2yFcHilI/AAAAAAAAIE8/ewDY0kitNMsCRg-SrNYAV-LK8d8rhEAFgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171218_141620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EX0Q67qsGzc/Wj_2yFcHilI/AAAAAAAAIE8/ewDY0kitNMsCRg-SrNYAV-LK8d8rhEAFgCLcBGAs/s640/20171218_141620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">We did a food shop to see us through this week, as on Thursday we are doing our 'big' shop. Luckily this year as we aren't cooking Christmas dinner we just need party food. We are hosting two parties, one with all of our friends and the other Christmas night with our families. So for now we just got some bits to see us through until then. I may or may not have added a Terry's Chocolate Orange to our basket because, is it really Christmas if you haven't had one of these? I'm saving it for a cosy night in later this week. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">The rest of the night was spent curled up on the sofa after finishing the last of the Christmas wrapping. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Tuesday 19th December</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">I spent this morning giving the house a good clean and tidy from top to bottom. We are hosting twice in the next few days and I wanted to make sure that the only things I have to worry about on the days are food, drink and entertaining. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">In the afternoon I met up with my MIL and FIL and headed off to Nottingham Christmas Market. We met my husband there and started the afternoon with a quick Costa. I had the Black Forest Hot Chocolate, it's one of my favourites in their Christmas range. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YRRziPpleQ/Wj_4bCqYv8I/AAAAAAAAIFI/EWgMTgkZZFg7BrNX_jvtZCqRwe0hfacmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171219_181945_543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1386" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YRRziPpleQ/Wj_4bCqYv8I/AAAAAAAAIFI/EWgMTgkZZFg7BrNX_jvtZCqRwe0hfacmQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171219_181945_543.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">We then headed for a mooch around the stalls, it was even better than last year, they had fake snow spraying from the roof tops, music filled the air. It was lovely. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-814YLXviBPM/Wj_4xI79OXI/AAAAAAAAIFM/RHFKK3frgPYMGW6X0s107k9x-O9V8PAbACLcBGAs/s1600/20171219_173203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-814YLXviBPM/Wj_4xI79OXI/AAAAAAAAIFM/RHFKK3frgPYMGW6X0s107k9x-O9V8PAbACLcBGAs/s640/20171219_173203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izpyEHCJNXE/Wj_53DgtMaI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/QktkmPS7OYkzgOqXD15N1c70KD9l3YgSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171219_173437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izpyEHCJNXE/Wj_53DgtMaI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/QktkmPS7OYkzgOqXD15N1c70KD9l3YgSwCLcBGAs/s640/20171219_173437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I had spied a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap stall, that I knew I absolutely had to try. It was filled with roast potatoes, stuffing, gravy and mint sauce. I can confirm it was delightful, just like a sunday dinner in wrap form.<i> I could definitely eat another one!</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxy2NHk7NWM/Wj_6HYJ3vVI/AAAAAAAAIFc/nYMiZANkBY8NI9IZxD-qiOVJmrwfdcQkQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171219_174306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxy2NHk7NWM/Wj_6HYJ3vVI/AAAAAAAAIFc/nYMiZANkBY8NI9IZxD-qiOVJmrwfdcQkQCLcBGAs/s640/20171219_174306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">We finished by grabbing some giant sweet cables, which we pick up every year and then had a cheeky gin before we headed home. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Can you believe that it's less than a week now until Christmas Day!</i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Wednesday 20th December</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Today we got our oven fixed, hoorahhh!<i> No cold food for Christmas haha</i>. That wasn't just the high light of our day though, we also went to Chatsworth House today to marvel at their Christmas Decorations. Every year they choose a theme to decorate the house in, and this year was Oh Dickens! Celebrating all of Charles Dickens' work. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWL5w9EqFts/WkAiyuY_L8I/AAAAAAAAIGA/32VswLdL_DorBL8ofKCcZr0ZDcBUKkUoACLcBGAs/s1600/20171220_143035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWL5w9EqFts/WkAiyuY_L8I/AAAAAAAAIGA/32VswLdL_DorBL8ofKCcZr0ZDcBUKkUoACLcBGAs/s640/20171220_143035.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">The house itself is incredible in design, but the festive décor made it even more magical. I was trying to think what my favourite room was, but to be honest, <i>I loved them all</i>! There was a spinning Christmas tree, decadent table, and<i> the</i> most incredible chair donned with fruits. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0DH4K5A2Eg/WkAjNfexsWI/AAAAAAAAIGE/UO6dNICKeBg82UVykwB1y9dop0uDNIoLACLcBGAs/s1600/20171220_134855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0DH4K5A2Eg/WkAjNfexsWI/AAAAAAAAIGE/UO6dNICKeBg82UVykwB1y9dop0uDNIoLACLcBGAs/s640/20171220_134855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHSBjIWmBfA/WkAjPxqINcI/AAAAAAAAIGI/OBxkpnBk_qQjVgv1MphmYS_-_HEQXrAHQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171220_140830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHSBjIWmBfA/WkAjPxqINcI/AAAAAAAAIGI/OBxkpnBk_qQjVgv1MphmYS_-_HEQXrAHQCLcBGAs/s640/20171220_140830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white;">We also had a quick potter around the gardens, as there is something magical about seeing the rolling hills in the mist of a winters day. All the plants are depleting, ready to hibernate over winter. It was lovely to get some fresh air.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW2RhxpHMJ8/WkAhPRV-BNI/AAAAAAAAIF8/La9rN5jt86YsCeZAQRZ6yFCzexBEbWqrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171220_180945_815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW2RhxpHMJ8/WkAhPRV-BNI/AAAAAAAAIF8/La9rN5jt86YsCeZAQRZ6yFCzexBEbWqrwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171220_180945_815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KEFMXYZ_q8/WkAhC1Bl54I/AAAAAAAAIF0/aHwxTFG8cvseSZ2sGHrJQvUq0rmDfwm_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171220_192621_847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KEFMXYZ_q8/WkAhC1Bl54I/AAAAAAAAIF0/aHwxTFG8cvseSZ2sGHrJQvUq0rmDfwm_ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171220_192621_847.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyPyF0fAPZ8/WkAhD-6S2rI/AAAAAAAAIF4/I0U2v7po0LAZm7tbyAUh4NnK374UgpIowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171222_114828_184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyPyF0fAPZ8/WkAhD-6S2rI/AAAAAAAAIF4/I0U2v7po0LAZm7tbyAUh4NnK374UgpIowCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171222_114828_184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white;">This evening we went to the local pub quiz, which had a Christmas theme this week, so I actually <i>knew</i> <i>some of the answers!</i> </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Thursday 21st December</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white;">Today we entered the chaos of the Christmas food shop. First though, we hit Ikea for breakfast, because £3.50 for 2 coffees, 1 veggie breakfast and toast is seriously the <i>ultimate</i> bargain. We also bought a knitted throw for the sofa, in preparation of long nights ahead curled up in front of the TV.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br />Then we moved on to Waitrose. Spending a grand total of around £90 on party food, drinks and baking supplies. To be fair, it wasn't as busy as expected, and we managed to do two laps getting all the things we think are the must have party foods (cheese, cheese, cheese). I'm hoping to share with you some of it in one of my final blog posts for 2017,&nbsp;<i> so keep your eyes peeled for that one</i>!<br /><br />We then headed over to Aldi to grab a few more bits and pieces. Bought a new TV stand, as I have gotten sick of the sight of our cheap one that we bought when we first moved in. It just didn't go with the rest of the room and needed to go, <i>ASAP.</i> Now we only have the blinds to change in our living room and that is the first room to be completed.<i> It's only taken us two years..</i><br /><i></i></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><div>We finished our night, attempting to bake cookies. Attempting being the word, the first batch were too runny and ended up forming one giant cookie blob. It tasted delicious but looked atrocious. The second batch were too hard, you could break teeth with them. So at that point we gave up, its a task for another day! <i>Maybe by next year I might have mastered it!</i></div><div><i></i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Friday 22nd December</span> </div><div><br />Today we had a morning at home, and then I met up with my friends later in the afternoon for dinner and drinks. We stayed local, having a few cocktails in the pubs and then had a Thai for dinner.<br /><br />I had a fair share of cocktails, which probably wasn't my greatest idea, as we are hosting a party at ours tomorrow! It was a lovely evening of catching up over delicious food and drink.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkD5a1KfjF4/WkAkjwP2nYI/AAAAAAAAIGM/ra5FHIWtIL8MXLXkNjxZNOYpFdj_JjAggCLcBGAs/s1600/20171222_233517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1600" height="604" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkD5a1KfjF4/WkAkjwP2nYI/AAAAAAAAIGM/ra5FHIWtIL8MXLXkNjxZNOYpFdj_JjAggCLcBGAs/s640/20171222_233517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was home by 11:30, and can definitely tell I'm getting older as I was tired by then! <i>(though in all fairness I always seem to be tired). </i><br /><br />Just like that another week over!<br /><br />I will be putting together a little photo montage of our Christmas sometime before the new year, but until then I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas making lots of memories. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>x</i></div></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-8823489464743098142017-12-16T09:35:00.001-08:002017-12-16T09:35:31.422-08:00Christmas with the Harts | Week 2<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LpEQ7MqXhYs/WjALBWNRKvI/AAAAAAAAIBk/p_LffjZ2pEMamMDK6CyMHmioPYeSWHxGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171212_125833_334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LpEQ7MqXhYs/WjALBWNRKvI/AAAAAAAAIBk/p_LffjZ2pEMamMDK6CyMHmioPYeSWHxGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171212_125833_334.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #999999; color: #bf9000;">Saturday 9th December</span><br /><br />Tonight we went out for our Quiz Team Christmas meal. Every other Wednesday we go along to a local pub quiz and the winnings get put in a pot for a Christmas night out. This year we headed to the Horsely lodge in derby for a 3 course meal and drinks.<br /><br />We had the whole conservatory to ourselves, which was made even more magical by the snow falling outside. It was lit with delicate fairy lights, and had a huge square table for us all to sit around.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OmgRFGD9Dc/WjAKBQe5bjI/AAAAAAAAIBY/UODWMaODhM8yWBXKfMy1n6v_LFTVn0a8gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171209_194051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OmgRFGD9Dc/WjAKBQe5bjI/AAAAAAAAIBY/UODWMaODhM8yWBXKfMy1n6v_LFTVn0a8gCLcBGAs/s640/20171209_194051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIKUCfVTyLE/WjALPgGpwuI/AAAAAAAAIBo/KXXpZ1XPkUgf69tEGU6uJG2DbMa8R7h6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171209_194117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIKUCfVTyLE/WjALPgGpwuI/AAAAAAAAIBo/KXXpZ1XPkUgf69tEGU6uJG2DbMa8R7h6ACLcBGAs/s640/20171209_194117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbkXjApHLf8/WjALnFi4FYI/AAAAAAAAIBw/SMMejGucfJIkY0tOaNVkruSVLDBP9_cDgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171209_231242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbkXjApHLf8/WjALnFi4FYI/AAAAAAAAIBw/SMMejGucfJIkY0tOaNVkruSVLDBP9_cDgCLcBGAs/s640/20171209_231242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />The food was incredible, I had fish and chips for main and a chocolate and orange torte for dessert which was simply divine. I may or may not have had a cheeky gin too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnSw1XnO8nc/WjAMRddJKKI/AAAAAAAAIB4/tikiG5pXPpUMzgs96nqtE09YOWXSFDmtQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171209_203642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnSw1XnO8nc/WjAMRddJKKI/AAAAAAAAIB4/tikiG5pXPpUMzgs96nqtE09YOWXSFDmtQCLcBGAs/s640/20171209_203642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBILtaR6QGw/WjAMRx9MMWI/AAAAAAAAIB8/XCKERQj0-w40kpuoMvOn42G3VAdAkKqugCLcBGAs/s1600/20171209_210237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBILtaR6QGw/WjAMRx9MMWI/AAAAAAAAIB8/XCKERQj0-w40kpuoMvOn42G3VAdAkKqugCLcBGAs/s640/20171209_210237.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #999999; color: #bf9000;">Monday 10th December</span><br /><br />We had a very lazy day today, staying in bed until well into the morning, like all good Mondays should start! We then tackled wrapping the presents, armed with mince pies, hot chocolate and Christmas tunes at full blast. We actually nearly finished it all, which I was super impressed with as we had a lot to get through. I definitely think that all the hot beverages helped.<br /><br />We may or may not have nipped to Ikea for dinner too, because it seems to have become a Monday tradition that when we are off work we go there for dinner. The Veggie Balls are delicious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojxzGGZPDcs/WjAMtchAIHI/AAAAAAAAICA/G1FhTpKWNlkj_sqXwdtOOIFjp-nNKNDZQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171211_161810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojxzGGZPDcs/WjAMtchAIHI/AAAAAAAAICA/G1FhTpKWNlkj_sqXwdtOOIFjp-nNKNDZQCLcBGAs/s640/20171211_161810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmiQ_ChqY0A/WjANCYBEDBI/AAAAAAAAICI/16pBP-YxIxoTbHt0EmE9xvHYYd7AdcK4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171211_162849_148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmiQ_ChqY0A/WjANCYBEDBI/AAAAAAAAICI/16pBP-YxIxoTbHt0EmE9xvHYYd7AdcK4QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171211_162849_148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We popped round to see my family in the evening and have a catch up. I hogged their fire as it has just been so cold here these past few days, I cant seem to warm up!<br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #999999; color: #bf9000;">Tuesday 11th December</span><br /><br /><br />We were meant to be heading to Stamford in Lincolnshire today, however they had warnings of icy roads and thick fog, so we decided to postpone our trip until Saturday. Which means that it will probably be a lot busier but hopefully the weather conditions will be better by then!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YNYsTKKLkI/WjAOWW9P7UI/AAAAAAAAICY/tPtXfAAT22siqeypPuUZOyLJNlDKfnkzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171212_130835_747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YNYsTKKLkI/WjAOWW9P7UI/AAAAAAAAICY/tPtXfAAT22siqeypPuUZOyLJNlDKfnkzgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171212_130835_747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Instead we spent the morning tidying up the house, doing a few chores and then headed to a local Plant Nursery for a spot of lunch. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKw1m5CTvdA/WjANZBBe3YI/AAAAAAAAICM/BHWLd2TiHDwiVvzhDNtxzQJZrpdDMs2qQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171212_132618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKw1m5CTvdA/WjANZBBe3YI/AAAAAAAAICM/BHWLd2TiHDwiVvzhDNtxzQJZrpdDMs2qQCLcBGAs/s640/20171212_132618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3WOPhsbeHM/WjAOopK5pSI/AAAAAAAAICc/i1FDVf8KaGEDqkG7rUwkWqsapB6rcTvqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171212_140941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3WOPhsbeHM/WjAOopK5pSI/AAAAAAAAICc/i1FDVf8KaGEDqkG7rUwkWqsapB6rcTvqgCLcBGAs/s640/20171212_140941.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Pip Tree Café is so cute, I loved all the décor and after going for a bite to eat, I came away with lots of ideas for our house. Their bathroom is gorgeous too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XfN9pCsMe8/WjAPEspVtlI/AAAAAAAAICk/KWwh61Y_04UaFJTQ6lFdEAzJDUw5Nm45gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171212_143347_060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1579" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9XfN9pCsMe8/WjAPEspVtlI/AAAAAAAAICk/KWwh61Y_04UaFJTQ6lFdEAzJDUw5Nm45gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171212_143347_060.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y607lCWsp6c/WjAPWZ8A4nI/AAAAAAAAICo/0mydY9z8ICEtrKGUdCCTN35cuUZVsltIwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171212_134139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y607lCWsp6c/WjAPWZ8A4nI/AAAAAAAAICo/0mydY9z8ICEtrKGUdCCTN35cuUZVsltIwCLcBGAs/s640/20171212_134139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We spent the rest of our evening watching films and relaxing on the sofa. It's my last week at work this week before I break up for Christmas, and I cant tell you how ready I am for lots of lie ins and festive socialising!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><i>I hope you've all had a good week! Only 9 days to go!</i></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-72444301230709095852017-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:002017-12-10T11:04:18.901-08:00Christmas With The Harts | Week 1<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqMeRwzU490/WiSULm769zI/AAAAAAAAH-o/P9O_RSyotvYSmkUuhJtGAKlWab9t9UI8ACLcBGAs/s1600/longshaw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqMeRwzU490/WiSULm769zI/AAAAAAAAH-o/P9O_RSyotvYSmkUuhJtGAKlWab9t9UI8ACLcBGAs/s640/longshaw.png" width="598" /></a></div><br />So December is finally here! I am so excited for the festive season ahead, and I had such grand plans (like every year) to do Blogmas. The truth of the matter is, I just don't have enough days in the week to do it, unless I pre-wrote all of it in November! I have so many lovely plans that I still wanted to share them on here, as I love to look back on all of it. Therefore,&nbsp;I thought I would make it easier for myself and do a weekly type of Blogmas, Christmas with the Harts, sharing all our festive fun in a weekly bitesize format. Some days won't be accounted for because I work full time, but all the days I have off, I will be sharing on here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Saturday 2nd December</span><br /><br />Today we went on a chilly winters walk around Longshaw with our friends. We came prepared bundled up in our warmest knitwear, scarves, hats and gloves. Longshaw is around an hour's drive from where we live and is part of the National Trust, we just scanned our cards and it printed us a ticket to park all day, which is perfect for those long days spent walking.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2fQpzwyXbI/WiXawt4HmlI/AAAAAAAAH_M/vDxVB4j3SXA2V6btLmqdK1SxfDTN-l6SwCLcBGAs/s1600/weekends.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="601" height="626" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a2fQpzwyXbI/WiXawt4HmlI/AAAAAAAAH_M/vDxVB4j3SXA2V6btLmqdK1SxfDTN-l6SwCLcBGAs/s640/weekends.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was so much beautiful scenery, and even a bit of snow on the ground still! It was beginning to feel very festive indeed, <i>especially after witnessing an ice skating duck!</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwQ9KIoMrVY/WiXbbo52RoI/AAAAAAAAH_U/ObLO4k9b9S0lferB1ZZpajHmsKrnczTIgCLcBGAs/s1600/weekendss.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="706" height="538" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FwQ9KIoMrVY/WiXbbo52RoI/AAAAAAAAH_U/ObLO4k9b9S0lferB1ZZpajHmsKrnczTIgCLcBGAs/s640/weekendss.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br0Zs1hZayU/WinEIPYo76I/AAAAAAAAH_o/DXRA5Bl9K8UG8UQHFDWc4ZbyZglWXB2nQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_114137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br0Zs1hZayU/WinEIPYo76I/AAAAAAAAH_o/DXRA5Bl9K8UG8UQHFDWc4ZbyZglWXB2nQCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_114137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENcUIRb48zI/WinEHnjyAlI/AAAAAAAAH_k/9IZMQmtjUUsaibink3JolFKHBKN9cb2ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171202_120519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ENcUIRb48zI/WinEHnjyAlI/AAAAAAAAH_k/9IZMQmtjUUsaibink3JolFKHBKN9cb2ZwCLcBGAs/s640/20171202_120519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We had a reservation at the Fox House for dinner, which was lovely and snug, definitely what we needed after being out in the cold fresh air. <br /><br />The food was delicious, I opted for a veggie burger and triple cooked chips which was <i>divine.</i> Stephen went for the Diablo Pizza which he said was good. I went all out and had a gin too,<i> it's 5 o clock somewhere!</i><br /><div><i><span style="background-color: #999999;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Sunday 3rd December</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">We had a lovely lie in, like all Sundays should begin with, before getting up and getting all our Christmas dec's out!&nbsp; </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Today was the day that the tree was finally making it's appearance. Despite my pleas for a real tree, we have stuck to our old faithful fake one for the time being. We lovingly adorned it with all our baubles and took a few festive photos too. We even treated ourselves to Christmas songs on repeat and a mug of hot chocolate. <i>Can't get more festive than that can you?!</i></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnlmVVO8Xxg/Wi1qP3PxgSI/AAAAAAAAH_4/-GXnlL6ajc4Lc6uqJP2y3_LRER8-GcJKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171203_131642_932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1469" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnlmVVO8Xxg/Wi1qP3PxgSI/AAAAAAAAH_4/-GXnlL6ajc4Lc6uqJP2y3_LRER8-GcJKwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171203_131642_932.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbgSHWX9soE/Wi1qfofYN4I/AAAAAAAAH_8/fp7iwidm0fsKaiErVynEjB-7tV6Zp-TIwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171203_131006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbgSHWX9soE/Wi1qfofYN4I/AAAAAAAAH_8/fp7iwidm0fsKaiErVynEjB-7tV6Zp-TIwCLcBGAs/s640/20171203_131006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7iLCt03L9A/Wi1q_CVnNOI/AAAAAAAAIAE/VTcu23XKs7AHz9hDPgpBGnSg3Y0kcojRwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171203_133006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7iLCt03L9A/Wi1q_CVnNOI/AAAAAAAAIAE/VTcu23XKs7AHz9hDPgpBGnSg3Y0kcojRwCLcBGAs/s640/20171203_133006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqmhHYIEGVs/Wi1tG96atjI/AAAAAAAAIAo/vvVh7V-SmpgkqvH1RF_6hYG4lCPjOsjTwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171206_170319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqmhHYIEGVs/Wi1tG96atjI/AAAAAAAAIAo/vvVh7V-SmpgkqvH1RF_6hYG4lCPjOsjTwCLcBGAs/s640/20171206_170319.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">Well actually.. our afternoon got even more festive with a scrumptious afternoon tea with all of my in-laws. We went to our local garden centre, where we had tables set up with crackers and Christmas napkins. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;">I had another hot chocolate,<i> surprise surprise.</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: white;">Our afternoon tea was packed with scrumptious treats, sandwiches, mince pies, mint chocolate cake, <i>it truly was a feast</i>.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx_5cIEop5k/Wi1rbNlvTkI/AAAAAAAAIAI/SSc9f3gC9ioHoh9C9oe8dICEPhcDDDF9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171203_151549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx_5cIEop5k/Wi1rbNlvTkI/AAAAAAAAIAI/SSc9f3gC9ioHoh9C9oe8dICEPhcDDDF9wCLcBGAs/s640/20171203_151549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwD_bDQSicw/Wi1r1t9r5EI/AAAAAAAAIAU/nQT42SYvaLwHtSgqpbxRknnxBP5w9BSPACLcBGAs/s1600/20171203_152031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwD_bDQSicw/Wi1r1t9r5EI/AAAAAAAAIAU/nQT42SYvaLwHtSgqpbxRknnxBP5w9BSPACLcBGAs/s640/20171203_152031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXbEAmaH8JI/Wi1r1qgkpgI/AAAAAAAAIAY/wWjTCvxtOos7MhPZhVaftmVBjSPh8j_PACLcBGAs/s1600/20171203_152037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXbEAmaH8JI/Wi1r1qgkpgI/AAAAAAAAIAY/wWjTCvxtOos7MhPZhVaftmVBjSPh8j_PACLcBGAs/s640/20171203_152037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">We finished our night watching Christmas with The Kranks, which I actually really liked!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Monday 4th December</span><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Today was the spendiest day of December yet. Me and my husband should not be allowed days off in the week together, as we end up going all out and spending a small fortune, egging each other on. What was meant to be a day of finising Christmas gifts, went a little wild. We visited the Range, B&amp;M, Asda and Ikea, yep all in one sitting, and ended up some how buying new bedding, a light up star and a real Christmas tree. I'm not sure how this happened, I blinked and there they were in my basket..I think we should be banned from spending for the rest of December, but we all know that's not happening!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">In all seriousness though, there is some child like joy of picking out your own tree. Scoping it out for the perfect height and width, compairing it to all the others until you find 'the one'. Again I stated that I only wanted a little one, maybe 4ft, we somehow ended up with a 6ft one..which will soon be taking pride of place in our dining room. The décor is nearly complete and I cannot wait to share it with friends and family over the festive season.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">This evening we visited our friends to welcome their new baby and have a catch up, which was a lovely end to the day.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Tuesday 5th December</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"></span><div><span style="background-color: white;">Today we put up tree number two in our dining room. It's our first ever real tree so we wanted to make it look extra special, an emergency trip to B&amp;M for a few more baubles occurred, and I have to say it makes the whole room look so cosy. </span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><div><br /></div><div>I can see it becoming a tradition for us to have a real tree in our dining room, well until we have little hands that can find it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CYRKrxXHGE/Wi1sP720P5I/AAAAAAAAIAc/vw1jlJy-3YAmEwN0rhd3gZggfuyp_SoXQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171205_155931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CYRKrxXHGE/Wi1sP720P5I/AAAAAAAAIAc/vw1jlJy-3YAmEwN0rhd3gZggfuyp_SoXQCLcBGAs/s640/20171205_155931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shWbPAzMcZQ/Wi1tiy8UDLI/AAAAAAAAIAw/8YVNrGJ_BXEvhNueNviqAB0jeNjgbA7WQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171205_164315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shWbPAzMcZQ/Wi1tiy8UDLI/AAAAAAAAIAw/8YVNrGJ_BXEvhNueNviqAB0jeNjgbA7WQCLcBGAs/s640/20171205_164315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXpHIVpnzb8/Wi1teqVzmqI/AAAAAAAAIAs/MP91o3t-XxI3Jvk0l2r7ElNkXkUT_cLNQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171206_170102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXpHIVpnzb8/Wi1teqVzmqI/AAAAAAAAIAs/MP91o3t-XxI3Jvk0l2r7ElNkXkUT_cLNQCLcBGAs/s640/20171206_170102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdsIsCiYMPI/Wi1t08Qng-I/AAAAAAAAIA4/ZlubeqszXeQvU11Vp97VPMy7F2vfRcP6wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171205_165145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdsIsCiYMPI/Wi1t08Qng-I/AAAAAAAAIA4/ZlubeqszXeQvU11Vp97VPMy7F2vfRcP6wCLcBGAs/s640/20171205_165145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34pzX3uvIlE/Wi1uUNlToXI/AAAAAAAAIBA/4UGBSS-fNXo_hdEscPrxZ4JED4D31hjoACLcBGAs/s1600/20171206_170042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34pzX3uvIlE/Wi1uUNlToXI/AAAAAAAAIBA/4UGBSS-fNXo_hdEscPrxZ4JED4D31hjoACLcBGAs/s640/20171206_170042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Later today we popped round to my parents house for a catch up. All in all a very chilled day at home, just what we needed.</div><div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000;">Wednesday 6th December</span></div><div><br />Today was a bit of a mad rush in the morning, I had a hairdressers appointment booked for 10 am and ended up missing my bus and having to wait for the next one, which made me 10 minutes late. Probably why I should get myself moving, and start up with my driving lessons again. <br /><br />I did make it to the hairdressers though, and bit the bullet and had roughly 4 inches chopped off! Which for me is the most I've had cut off in a long time. My hair went through a phase a few years ago where it just wouldn't grow, but the last year or two it has started to grow a lot quicker, therefore I thought now's the best time to do it. I actually really love how it looks, and you heard it here first, I <i>might</i> have a bit more cut off next time! If there's a time for a change in hairstyle its when the festive season arrives, lots of social activities and the change in weather. I always love that fresh hair feeling you get when you walk out of the salon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChAy4J0trgc/Wi1uohzEzEI/AAAAAAAAIBI/qcGT1wwav3Y6Ti3l6duYCpWCGf_ctsSmgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171206_141354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChAy4J0trgc/Wi1uohzEzEI/AAAAAAAAIBI/qcGT1wwav3Y6Ti3l6duYCpWCGf_ctsSmgCLcBGAs/s640/20171206_141354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After I nipped to the shops and grabbed a few last minute gifts, and once my online order arrives I have officially finished Christmas shopping! Isn't it such a satisfying feeling being able to say that.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><i>I hope you've all had a lovely festive week!</i></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-37588787044196919112017-12-05T01:34:00.002-08:002017-12-05T01:34:13.820-08:00An Autumn Weekend in the Cotswolds<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsQ9uAXvmhI/WhyfBX4jlCI/AAAAAAAAH68/Lf0EUuv--hUvigOG8bukCOVW2xLykqIEACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171118_164837_189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsQ9uAXvmhI/WhyfBX4jlCI/AAAAAAAAH68/Lf0EUuv--hUvigOG8bukCOVW2xLykqIEACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171118_164837_189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We recently escaped to the beautiful Cotswolds, for a magical weekend away to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We decided that rather than buy gifts for each other, we would prefer to use the money to book a weekend getaway each year, as we both love travelling.<br /><br />For our first anniversary weekend away we booked a stunning farmhouse in the Cotswolds. It was very near to the pretty medieval town of Burford, which is where we started our trip. <br /><br />It was around a 2 hour drive to Burford, through some very cute towns along the way. The weather wasn't the best, but that made it all the more autumnal (and the perfect excuse for lots of hot chocolate to be consumed!)<br /><br />We parked up and headed straight to <a href="https://www.huffkins.com/" target="_blank">Huffkins</a> for one of their world renowned Lardy Cakes, and a hot cup of coffee. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqAzL2m3M3s/WhyWWQ8bPwI/AAAAAAAAH58/ybzfirZoaBA-vGN48iYzeckwgCopbZiywCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_112947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqAzL2m3M3s/WhyWWQ8bPwI/AAAAAAAAH58/ybzfirZoaBA-vGN48iYzeckwgCopbZiywCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_112947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYTVn3agSwA/WhyWxB1ULxI/AAAAAAAAH6A/cQMesjHgouI6o1dur2WMdltwvp2TmvovwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_113120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYTVn3agSwA/WhyWxB1ULxI/AAAAAAAAH6A/cQMesjHgouI6o1dur2WMdltwvp2TmvovwCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_113120.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><br />The Lardy Cake was absolutely delicious, so sweet and flavoursome, definitely the ultimate comfort food on a rainy day.<br /><br />Bellies full, we headed out to wander around the shops and pubs, whilst stopping to admire all the houses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuHGpUHW57k/WhybAWZEFGI/AAAAAAAAH6M/15zjX3AZPCA32iwHlRZrbNZy-K6VbPNWQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_112247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuHGpUHW57k/WhybAWZEFGI/AAAAAAAAH6M/15zjX3AZPCA32iwHlRZrbNZy-K6VbPNWQCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_112247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4mTsxvknSw/WhybUXz9fMI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/aH_lAraDhtk4ztMm_IXwDiPFchevHdS7gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_120116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4mTsxvknSw/WhybUXz9fMI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/aH_lAraDhtk4ztMm_IXwDiPFchevHdS7gCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_120116.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CioNsFk1mMA/WhycEG7ychI/AAAAAAAAH6g/CS-Sy44nqRIhFHlBpqMPulSRrAbJ9kqawCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_122950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CioNsFk1mMA/WhycEG7ychI/AAAAAAAAH6g/CS-Sy44nqRIhFHlBpqMPulSRrAbJ9kqawCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_122950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9ZwLshGh24/WhycAKWfSFI/AAAAAAAAH6c/8KB5EAEcAQY3R1zKcPQdHCn3frFR3EeGwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_122957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9ZwLshGh24/WhycAKWfSFI/AAAAAAAAH6c/8KB5EAEcAQY3R1zKcPQdHCn3frFR3EeGwCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_122957.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK5G4yBjeyI/WhycbAgHELI/AAAAAAAAH6k/5btCJOYhw5ICqXth5C--nYS6OJQtbe33ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_124046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK5G4yBjeyI/WhycbAgHELI/AAAAAAAAH6k/5btCJOYhw5ICqXth5C--nYS6OJQtbe33ACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_124046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Feeling a little chilly after all the wandering, we popped into the<a href="http://www.burford-house.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Burford House Hotel</a> to warm up with a cheeky hot chocolate. We found a cosy nook and relaxed. The décor is dreamy, with an open fire, wood flooring and dog print cushions.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_WwlY1iKI8/WhyeTVhdB2I/AAAAAAAAH6w/Xw8XdeIFWDcSjYlCbXdtoiHuAXC35VaZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171118_125731_609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_WwlY1iKI8/WhyeTVhdB2I/AAAAAAAAH6w/Xw8XdeIFWDcSjYlCbXdtoiHuAXC35VaZgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171118_125731_609.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4nRwLLzTCQ/Whyebxy9A4I/AAAAAAAAH60/ExDJ2mbhgYIQ9auKt5wq5U-gQgCpmj5bgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171119_180435_668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4nRwLLzTCQ/Whyebxy9A4I/AAAAAAAAH60/ExDJ2mbhgYIQ9auKt5wq5U-gQgCpmj5bgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171119_180435_668.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><br /><br />I had also wanted to visit Bibury whilst we were down this end of the woods, so once we had finished our drinks, we hopped back in the car and headed there. It was only around 20 minutes drive from Burford, making it the perfect place to pop over to on your travels.<br /><br />Bibury did not disappoint, it looked magical in the autumn light, even the rain didn't take away it's beauty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOFRqWnTMO0/WhygQ7hwa4I/AAAAAAAAH7I/smAC8viicgc7YXCbQUGl8ZU1_Ordgg37gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171120_184610_202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1508" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fOFRqWnTMO0/WhygQ7hwa4I/AAAAAAAAH7I/smAC8viicgc7YXCbQUGl8ZU1_Ordgg37gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171120_184610_202.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVSBNv8NSLI/Whyi4p4dFEI/AAAAAAAAH7U/jrrrrv3A6dE374xFNFChg4k0NUSZRYpEwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_134841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVSBNv8NSLI/Whyi4p4dFEI/AAAAAAAAH7U/jrrrrv3A6dE374xFNFChg4k0NUSZRYpEwCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_134841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yClQ0MicL0M/WhyjXUEA8FI/AAAAAAAAH7c/ssPLu2OZAJEFBXvw2psMHbFGw1l7yC-3QCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_135908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yClQ0MicL0M/WhyjXUEA8FI/AAAAAAAAH7c/ssPLu2OZAJEFBXvw2psMHbFGw1l7yC-3QCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_135908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uusQVr5gcGI/Wh09zT22h-I/AAAAAAAAH7w/_amH-17wYXMxgf_JT5geTqD35RLcQ0EdACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_135218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uusQVr5gcGI/Wh09zT22h-I/AAAAAAAAH7w/_amH-17wYXMxgf_JT5geTqD35RLcQ0EdACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_135218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1gaKxjeFHA/Wh0-daA0DHI/AAAAAAAAH78/T0_5WarXVKgdMxHyJTZaiIS_cmiEcIm3ACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_141555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M1gaKxjeFHA/Wh0-daA0DHI/AAAAAAAAH78/T0_5WarXVKgdMxHyJTZaiIS_cmiEcIm3ACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_141555.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJGhqt7ROs4/Wh0_Y8M1ksI/AAAAAAAAH8I/3S4G_ZQocIMIqr22JsxBwnCjEv9i0m-EwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_135417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zJGhqt7ROs4/Wh0_Y8M1ksI/AAAAAAAAH8I/3S4G_ZQocIMIqr22JsxBwnCjEv9i0m-EwCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_135417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>It wouldn't be an anniversary break without a few cheeky selfies now would it</i>. Check out the rain on my poor husbands glasses!<br /><br />We walked around the little charming village, even spotting a Kingfisher as we did! Until we decided that we had to stop for another warming drink at the tea room. I was even more happy to see another lit fire!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiBVTql9NvU/Wh1BmQbB-zI/AAAAAAAAH8U/UWpqqyuU-1gU3oM_hSy_8Gf5Pr1aB4u6gCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_150032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiBVTql9NvU/Wh1BmQbB-zI/AAAAAAAAH8U/UWpqqyuU-1gU3oM_hSy_8Gf5Pr1aB4u6gCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_150032.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><br />Once we had warmed through we got back into our car and headed off to check in to our B&amp;B. We were staying about 15/20 minutes drive away at <a href="http://www.highlodgefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">High Lodge Farm</a> in Upper Milton. It is an absolutely stunning home and I will be writing a whole separate post on it, as it is one of the best B&amp;B's we've ever had the pleasure&nbsp;of staying in.<br /><br />We relaxed in our room for a little while before getting all dressed up for an evening of celebration. Stephen had booked us a table at <a href="http://www.theangelatburford.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Angel at Burford</a>, a 16th century Inn in the centre of Burford. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1SL1ba8DWE/Wh1DdkESWAI/AAAAAAAAH8g/NFKgdUCpw9EXCa-4Rp2hF1AMz9-9ZWwJgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_185028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1SL1ba8DWE/Wh1DdkESWAI/AAAAAAAAH8g/NFKgdUCpw9EXCa-4Rp2hF1AMz9-9ZWwJgCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_185028.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD0j1nMHFUk/Wh1HRCaONwI/AAAAAAAAH8s/XX0fTk3FAb4P0ibqfGLjHnDm4iKFb7qagCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_185601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dD0j1nMHFUk/Wh1HRCaONwI/AAAAAAAAH8s/XX0fTk3FAb4P0ibqfGLjHnDm4iKFb7qagCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_185601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />It is a quaint, super cosy pub, with fantastic service and atmosphere. We grabbed a drink at the bar whilst we perused the menu (I had a gin of course) before we were taken to our seats.<br /><br />I had already decided that I wanted the Millionaire's Mac and Cheese, I'd craved it all day and was so happy it was on the menu! The Ultimate comfort food, in a cosy pub? <i>Yes please</i>.<br /><br />Stephen went for the Choir and Parmesan crumbed Seabass with Dauphinoise Potatos. He said it was absolutely delicious and full of rich flavour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFzix4VcvbI/Wh1IL9g-iyI/AAAAAAAAH84/New4wTU4skAIahQX4Ja68wsXNw96IL6UACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_202202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eFzix4VcvbI/Wh1IL9g-iyI/AAAAAAAAH84/New4wTU4skAIahQX4Ja68wsXNw96IL6UACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_202202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEO05gjRPdo/Wh1IexUiokI/AAAAAAAAH9A/51-ozArso68fXWPA73CjMowrq8qYKLPqACLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_202227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEO05gjRPdo/Wh1IexUiokI/AAAAAAAAH9A/51-ozArso68fXWPA73CjMowrq8qYKLPqACLcBGAs/s640/20171118_202227.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z5reru8Bug/Wh1IdtiF2rI/AAAAAAAAH88/r54HXtTEHi0Nsj9PUSJS2fv8cHIBCFWfgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171118_205906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z5reru8Bug/Wh1IdtiF2rI/AAAAAAAAH88/r54HXtTEHi0Nsj9PUSJS2fv8cHIBCFWfgCLcBGAs/s640/20171118_205906.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br />To finish, we both went for the Dark Chocolate Delice, which as you can see was incredible. Both the presentation and taste was pure perfection,<i> I could eat it all over again now!</i><br /><br />We sat and chatted for a while before heading back to the B&amp;B happy and full, ready to start the next day of exploring. I'm not going to lie,<i> I was awoken early hours by an owl hooting away!</i><br /><br />The sun was peeking through the trees early Sunday morning, and we got to appreciate what beautiful surroundings we were in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yStIqLkpLjs/Wh1d2nLUVVI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/mt_F3C3gT0kU1WrcqAGfq5teaEDo_Y5UwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_074853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yStIqLkpLjs/Wh1d2nLUVVI/AAAAAAAAH9Q/mt_F3C3gT0kU1WrcqAGfq5teaEDo_Y5UwCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_074853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We packed our bags and headed down for breakfast, before making our way to the park and ride. <br /><br />We headed off to Oxford for the morning, to explore the university and all of&nbsp;the shops. The park and ride is a brilliant idea, as we were told it is fairly expensive to park in Oxford, and it's only about a 10-15 minute bus trip from there to Oxford's centre. Making it less stressful than having to try and find a space anywhere!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8y4Fw8bBS8/WiRj42NGHYI/AAAAAAAAH9g/Ayp27oznP0kzPVAazi32bWpGRbW9YImngCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_100045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8y4Fw8bBS8/WiRj42NGHYI/AAAAAAAAH9g/Ayp27oznP0kzPVAazi32bWpGRbW9YImngCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_100045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_ZR7ppWuhk/WiRkRB63sgI/AAAAAAAAH9k/CU1QTly65NkCU8kww6xk_dA5pdacD1mYgCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_112026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_ZR7ppWuhk/WiRkRB63sgI/AAAAAAAAH9k/CU1QTly65NkCU8kww6xk_dA5pdacD1mYgCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_112026.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJxiAkwlces/WiRke3_9HwI/AAAAAAAAH9s/VaQijNGxijADCD-pCPnxRfpjAT_Clz2xwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_112924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yJxiAkwlces/WiRke3_9HwI/AAAAAAAAH9s/VaQijNGxijADCD-pCPnxRfpjAT_Clz2xwCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_112924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV34uFJftd8/WiRoZxii1zI/AAAAAAAAH94/ExvRKRX__ckfblhpmS8SjWPOQOSLWPg6wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171119_114747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV34uFJftd8/WiRoZxii1zI/AAAAAAAAH94/ExvRKRX__ckfblhpmS8SjWPOQOSLWPg6wCLcBGAs/s640/20171119_114747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We spent a few hours in Oxford, taking in the university, walking the cobbled roads and admiring the shops. Before long it was time to head home.<br /><br />We had such a memorable 1st anniversary. The Cotswolds are as beautiful as everyone says, and we will definitely be making a return trip to some of the other beautiful towns it has to offer.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Have you visited the Cotswolds? Where did you stay?</i></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-69017062565307206142017-11-27T13:20:00.000-08:002017-11-27T13:38:30.972-08:00The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0MDSUJpUeE/Whx9nEc_mYI/AAAAAAAAH5s/Bjfuwl2s-wc6dNCnDAHgpYRCBHV4i6HuwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171127_185105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v0MDSUJpUeE/Whx9nEc_mYI/AAAAAAAAH5s/Bjfuwl2s-wc6dNCnDAHgpYRCBHV4i6HuwCLcBGAs/s640/20171127_185105.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I can't quite believe it, but it's some how 4 days until the 1st of December, and that&nbsp;means one thing, Christmas is just around the corner! Most of you&nbsp;may&nbsp;have already began your Christmas shopping, perhaps you're super organised and everything is wrapped and ready to go. If not, or you're stuck for those last few gift ideas,&nbsp; then I have you covered. I have trawled the internet, and compiled a categorised list of gifts just&nbsp;for you! <br /><br /><br /><em>I hope you find it helpful</em><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The <span style="color: #bf9000;">Gardener</span>}}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">These gorgeous <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/burgon-ball-cream-herb-pots/p1947339" target="_blank">Cream Herb Pots</a>, <em>handy for growing mint for mojitos!</em></span></span></div></li><li><div align="left">&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/rhs-how-to-garden/dk/9781405366403" target="_blank">Handy Guide</a> to help beginners get their garden groove on.</div></li><li><div align="left">&nbsp;These <a href="https://www.homebase.co.uk/briers-strawberry-water-resistant-gardening-gloves-medium_p355794" target="_blank">Pretty Gloves</a> for a touch of glamour during those practical tasks</div></li><li><div align="left"><a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thelittleboysroom/product/personalised-trowel-and-fork-git-set" target="_blank">&nbsp;Personalised Tools</a> for an extra special gift.</div></li><li><div align="left">&nbsp;This <a href="https://www.tesco.com/direct/gardening-gift-seed-packets-organiser-petrol-blue-burgon-ball-seed-packets-organiser-petrol-blue/615-2925.prd" target="_blank">Helpful&nbsp;Organiser</a>&nbsp;is perfect for&nbsp;garden prep&nbsp;</div></li></ul><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The Star Baker}}</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/rosies-pantry-measuring-cups-10231504" target="_blank">Fancy Floral measuring cups</a> </div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">The gorgeous <a href="http://www.boots.com/laura-ashley-cake-tin-stacker-10231510" target="_blank">Cake Tins</a>, <em>for sharing those delicious creations</em></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/preciouslittleplum/product/personalised-wreath-apron" target="_blank">Personalised Apron</a>, for the messy baker</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/mug-cakes-ready-in-5-minutes-in-the-microwave/9781742708553" target="_blank">This Book</a> for a quick bake!</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">The ultimate bargain <a href="http://www.dunelm.com/product/candy-rose-stand-mixer-duck-egg-1000052774?searchTerm=mixer" target="_blank">Mixer</a>, to give&nbsp;their arms a rest and look pretty on their kitchen worktop.</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The Explorer}}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">Help them&nbsp;keep track of travels with this effective<a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/luckies-scratch-map-travel-edition/p1985678" target="_blank"> Map</a></span><a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/luckies-scratch-map-travel-edition/p1985678" target="_blank">﻿</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Keep&nbsp;their documents safe in this stylish <a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/store/ted-baker-chelsea-luggage-tag-passport-set/p3258943?navAction=jump" target="_blank">Passport Cover</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">One for the short escape lover, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/101-Weekends-Europe-Robin-Barton/dp/1847730817/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=3CKXJKJHG4H46DRY1Z13" target="_blank">this book</a> offers plenty of travel ideas</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Help them track their travels with this gorgeous<a href="https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/axelandash/product/swept-away-by-wanderlust-travel-journal" target="_blank"> diary</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">For a more Lavish gift, why not help them capture their travels perfectly with this<a href="https://www.jessops.com/p/olympus/pen-e-pl7-compact-system-camera-in-white-with-14-42mm-ez-lens-94099?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImJ_Fm9i51wIVYSrTCh3ZjwZuEAQYASABEgIxs_D_BwE" target="_blank"> sleek camera&nbsp;</a><em><br /></em></div></li><a href="https://www.jessops.com/p/olympus/pen-e-pl7-compact-system-camera-in-white-with-14-42mm-ez-lens-94099?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImJ_Fm9i51wIVYSrTCh3ZjwZuEAQYASABEgIxs_D_BwE" target="_blank"></a></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The Ginthusiast}}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">A taste of everything with this <a href="https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/gb/groceries/fever-tree-gin---tonic-gift-set?langId=44&amp;storeId=10151&amp;krypto=hHIvm%2F9YBXyENzihLT0o66JHqDAnapTPbV3ryHKkEtmYBx2yFo8oKSoLdbKxA%2Fkgn6F9xloqyYT4hh7zqrSVfB36bCgTxoy3JCdBp41CqXYTGwOuWpuTHcnExWrX%2FJmT0ju0tjB4sFXh3cV%2FpzASya%2Bzk6DcMJ5RcE%2FSn0%2BhfhI%3D&amp;ddkey=https%3Agb%2Fgroceries%2Ffever-tree-gin---tonic-gift-set" target="_blank">sampling set<em>﻿</em></a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Ginspire them with this<a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/gin-shake-muddle-book?glCountry=GB&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=rakuten&amp;utm_campaign=NMPi%202&amp;ranMID=35352&amp;ranEAID=lbHlpxiEbDY&amp;ranSiteID=lbHlpxiEbDY-vxGAaJBZGNBzBXxB86d2YQ&amp;Rakuten=lbHlpxiEbDY" target="_blank"> handy book</a>&nbsp;<em>(see what&nbsp;I did there)</em></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">A <a href="https://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2663318_c423/a-z-glass-10cm-x-8cm-clear" target="_blank">Fancy glass</a> is great for them to enjoy a cheeky Christmas&nbsp;tipple</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Help them get creative with their very own <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g77324s3#829718" target="_blank">Gin Making Kit</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">How about a<a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/copperhead-gin-single-bottle/p/p60093383?prevPage=plp&amp;pdpredirect" target="_blank">&nbsp;Pretty Bottle</a> for their bar/cabinet,<i> or you know, to drink.</i></div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/gin-shake-muddle-book?glCountry=GB&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=rakuten&amp;utm_campaign=NMPi%202&amp;ranMID=35352&amp;ranEAID=lbHlpxiEbDY&amp;ranSiteID=lbHlpxiEbDY-vxGAaJBZGNBzBXxB86d2YQ&amp;Rakuten=lbHlpxiEbDY" target="_blank"></a></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/gin-shake-muddle-book?glCountry=GB&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=rakuten&amp;utm_campaign=NMPi%202&amp;ranMID=35352&amp;ranEAID=lbHlpxiEbDY&amp;ranSiteID=lbHlpxiEbDY-vxGAaJBZGNBzBXxB86d2YQ&amp;Rakuten=lbHlpxiEbDY" target="_blank"></a></ul></div><a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/gin-shake-muddle-book?glCountry=GB&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=rakuten&amp;utm_campaign=NMPi%202&amp;ranMID=35352&amp;ranEAID=lbHlpxiEbDY&amp;ranSiteID=lbHlpxiEbDY-vxGAaJBZGNBzBXxB86d2YQ&amp;Rakuten=lbHlpxiEbDY" target="_blank"></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{Make-Up Magpie}}</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">A Luxury <a href="https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13851/52249/products/makeup/lips/lip-palettes-kits/snow-ball-mini-lipstick-kit-mac-classics" target="_blank">Lip Kit</a>, bound to make any make up lover drool!</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Get them party ready with this <a href="http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123008149899_-1" target="_blank">After Hours Smoky Eye Set</a>&nbsp;for all the party glamour.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">The<a href="https://www.superdrug.com/Gifts-for-Her/Real-Techniques-Illuminate-Accentuate/p/738772" target="_blank"> Ultimate Brush Kit</a>, an essential in anyone's make-up stash, practical and pretty</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">One to give keep<a href="http://www.asos.com/barry-m/barry-m-asos-illuminate-glow/prd/8758311?CTAref=We%20Recommend%20Carousel_13&amp;featureref1=we%20recommend%20pers" target="_blank"> them glowing</a> all through the festive season.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Wow them with this <a href="http://www.boots.com/christmas-shop/gifts-for-her/all-christmas-gifts-for-her/Clarins-Festive-Treats-Eyes-and-Lips-Set-10235708" target="_blank">cute Clarins stocking filler﻿,</a> It also makes a great Secret Santa gift!</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The Home Maker}}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">The perfect <a href="https://www.oliverbonas.com/homeware/marbled-stone-dust-cheese-knives" target="_blank">Cheese Set,</a> great for hosting&nbsp;the next cheese and wine night,<i> hint hint</i></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">A cosy<a href="https://www.therange.co.uk/cushions-and-throws/throws-and-blankets/brushed-check-throw-with-pom-poms/#131901" target="_blank"> Pom Pom Throw</a> the ultimate sofa companion at this&nbsp;time of year.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">These adorable<a href="https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-highland-myths-hedgehog-nesting-bowls-cream-brown-set-of-4/p3218889" target="_blank"> Hedgehog Nesting Bowls</a>&nbsp;are bound to make any home lover weak at the knees</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">You can't go wrong with a posh <a href="http://www.thewhitecompany.com/Winter-Signature-Candle/p/WNDCS?swatch=No+Colour" target="_blank">White Company Candle</a>&nbsp;to burn on those cold nights.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;The cutest<a href="https://www.sophieallport.com/uk/runner-duck-jug" target="_blank"> Sophie Allport Jug</a>, great for kitchen windowsills filled with festive flowers.﻿</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{The Comfort Seeker}}</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Keep their feet warm with these cosy<a href="https://direct.asda.com/george/womens/socks-tights/fleece-lined-lounge-socks/GEM587838,default,pd.html?dual=0&amp;placement_id=GRGTOP&amp;config_id=GRGTOP&amp;strategy=PWBAB&amp;product_id=GEM587838&amp;parent_item_id=GEM587140" target="_blank"> Knitted Socks</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Classic Comfy Christmas staple, <a href="http://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/nightwear/grey-tartan-flannel-pyjama-bottoms/p/547002008?comp=Browse" target="_blank">Tartan PJ Bottoms</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">A super toasty<a href="https://www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2665814_c000/fluffy-hot-water-bottle-36cm-x-23cm-grey" target="_blank"> Hot Water Bottle</a>&nbsp;perfect for those festive movie nights.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">The Essential of all loungewear,&nbsp;a snug<a href="http://www.next.co.uk/style/st209796#197628" target="_blank"> Initial Dressing Gown</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">An ultimate comfort seeker,<a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/hot-chocolate/christmas-hot-chocolate/luxury-hot-chocolate-selection.htm?productid=18791&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=base&amp;currency=GBP&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4pnu9cu71wIVSyrTCh22MQIFEAQYASABEgKbXPD_BwE" target="_blank"> Hot Chocolate</a>!</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{For Him}}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">This gorgeous <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g88196s3#805714" target="_blank">Hooded Robe</a>, is sure to keep him warm this Christmas</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">A<a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/flocked-holdall-bag/p/p22465214?image=SD_03_T09_0632T_JR_X_EC_90&amp;color=OLIVE&amp;prevPage=plp" target="_blank"> Stylish Holdall</a>, perfect for all those weekend escapes </div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Make Sunday morning fry ups easier with this handy<a href="https://www.menkind.co.uk/lazy-man-frying-pan" target="_blank"> Frying Pan﻿</a></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">If he's a coffee drinker, one of these <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/product/4230027" target="_blank">Coffee Machines</a>&nbsp;would be the perfect present</div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;">Keep him fresh during the party season with this<a href="http://www.boots.com/loreal-men-expert-kick-start-kit-gift-set-for-him-10234029" target="_blank"> L'Oréal Kick Start Kit</a>&nbsp;</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">{{For The Stocking}}</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">If you don't get chocolate in your stocking is it even Christmas? These extra festive <a href="http://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/christmas-pocket-selection.html#start=33" target="_blank">Pocket Christmas Chocolates </a>are the perfect sweet stocking filler</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">Help them get organised for the new year with this pretty<a href="https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/christmas/christmas-gifts/rose-gold-notebook/p/64092460" target="_blank"> Rose Gold Notebook</a></span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">A mug is a&nbsp;perfect gift for all those hot winter beverages, they will love this adorable <a href="http://www.newlook.com/uk/home/mugs-cups/white-polar-bear-mug/p/552166810?comp=Search" target="_blank">Polar Bear one!</a></span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">If you know a loose leaf tea lover, then this <a href="https://www.riverisland.com/p/pug-in-a-mug-tea-infuser-713509" target="_blank">Pug Tea Infuser</a> is not only handy but so&nbsp;cute!</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: small;">Socks are another great stocking filler and these<a href="http://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/accessories/socks/pink-lets-avocuddle-spot-print-socks/p/513543073?comp=Browse" target="_blank"> Avocado</a> ones are super sweet</span></div></li></ul><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope this guide has helped you find that special someone the ideal gift,<i> or maybe a treat for yourself!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />﻿</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul> </ul>Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741150432746968670.post-8256704429094022722017-11-22T11:34:00.000-08:002018-04-17T13:48:04.600-07:00Our 24 hour stay in Rye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxWzgHelts0/WgGyDZVeHkI/AAAAAAAAHzk/hTXC8_XgTCca1OKp5iV5SHP5UK4TJjrcgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxWzgHelts0/WgGyDZVeHkI/AAAAAAAAHzk/hTXC8_XgTCca1OKp5iV5SHP5UK4TJjrcgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The final leg of our trip to the South Coast brought us to Rye. Rye is probably one of the most beautiful places that I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. The cobbled winding roads, houses clad with flowers and cute independent tea rooms are a marvel to behold. It really was a dream destination to finish our trip on.<em> If anyone wants to lend me a couple of million pounds then I would move here in a heart beat.</em> <br /><br /><br />We stayed at the beautiful Willow Tree House, which you can read about&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/11/our-stay-at-willow-tree-house-rye.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Willow Tree House is only a short stroll away from Mermaid Street, which is the most popular street in Rye. <br /><br /><br />As we made our way from the B&amp;B into Rye, we stopped at the bottom of Mermaid Street for a spot of breakfast at The Old Grain Store. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JJ7l3ufcxA/Wgoty12CNfI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/ACS30bfRPDQqFaxjEe0tIwGCC4s1wcbAQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_110604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JJ7l3ufcxA/Wgoty12CNfI/AAAAAAAAH2Q/ACS30bfRPDQqFaxjEe0tIwGCC4s1wcbAQCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_110604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I had Nutella on Toast which was delicious, the bread was door stop thick and scrumptious, it really set us up for the day ahead. Near to the Old Grain Store there are a number of antique shops, perfect for perusing and looking for treasures!<br /><br /><br />As&nbsp;you leave the Old Grain Store and cross the road you reach the bottom of Mermaid Street, the most photographed street in Rye, <em>and you can see why</em>. Every house is beautiful, dressed with pretty foliage and fancy front doors. I loved walking up the cobbled path and reading all the names of the houses and imagining what it would be like to live there.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eXcS_41tORc/WhNo2Nqld2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/CNPzzKZCySor6rZT99p8_N175ulvREq6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eXcS_41tORc/WhNo2Nqld2I/AAAAAAAAH2w/CNPzzKZCySor6rZT99p8_N175ulvREq6wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1YwL3TReWk/WhNo2_bdLRI/AAAAAAAAH20/nNLJZMj5MQ8qthsOHvHzf9P1GhEpkER0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1YwL3TReWk/WhNo2_bdLRI/AAAAAAAAH20/nNLJZMj5MQ8qthsOHvHzf9P1GhEpkER0gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmZEK4reO18/WhNq8HsQqlI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/0lHM8GyD8VA97GwILcpnNJ_tvMKB2gz3ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_111057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmZEK4reO18/WhNq8HsQqlI/AAAAAAAAH3Q/0lHM8GyD8VA97GwILcpnNJ_tvMKB2gz3ACLcBGAs/s640/20170920_111057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uz8wMGbDfZQ/WhNrPSbdeeI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/lz-WHvyktzoMDaKQOJkv3xfWLqzJHzoXQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_111306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1600" height="570" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uz8wMGbDfZQ/WhNrPSbdeeI/AAAAAAAAH3Y/lz-WHvyktzoMDaKQOJkv3xfWLqzJHzoXQCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_111306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />We decided to&nbsp;climb to&nbsp;the top of St Mary's for the best view of Rye. It's a narrow and interesting climb to the roof of the Church, but so worth it for the spectacular views.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZGyOWiICNE/WhNuNKJRLMI/AAAAAAAAH3k/Oq6buh76KHgt5UH4YinggrTii-HlYYClgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_113220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZGyOWiICNE/WhNuNKJRLMI/AAAAAAAAH3k/Oq6buh76KHgt5UH4YinggrTii-HlYYClgCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_113220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9erdkPWxG4/WhNunad11FI/AAAAAAAAH3o/4qFbiv95CbUzbhAz_TVKanUTQYFacu5igCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_113234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v9erdkPWxG4/WhNunad11FI/AAAAAAAAH3o/4qFbiv95CbUzbhAz_TVKanUTQYFacu5igCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_113234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzDER1oDAfA/WhNunehuvrI/AAAAAAAAH3s/2UaoitOtZNU2Ymbn2npjEPycatJd5_yHgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_113404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzDER1oDAfA/WhNunehuvrI/AAAAAAAAH3s/2UaoitOtZNU2Ymbn2npjEPycatJd5_yHgCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_113404.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />It's amazing to see all the cute houses below, and the views go on for miles. I would definitely recommend it if you are in Rye.<br /><br /><br />After taking in the spectacular&nbsp;scenery we had worked up quite an appetite, and there was only one place for it, Cobbles Tea Room. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCv4wcwpsHo/WhRbYr_RrlI/AAAAAAAAH38/NoEFQA6AbG8wywk3cdVWpmbCtdl8ZlOlACLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_140403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="639" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCv4wcwpsHo/WhRbYr_RrlI/AAAAAAAAH38/NoEFQA6AbG8wywk3cdVWpmbCtdl8ZlOlACLcBGAs/s640/20170920_140403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Down a quiet cobbled lane, surrounded by flowers is Cobbles Tea Room, it's like something out of a fairy tale. We popped in for scones and tea and soaked up the atmosphere, <em>and yummy smells of warm cakes.</em> It's such a cute little spot for a refreshment break, perfect after all that walking!<br /><br /><br />Re-fuelled we headed back out to enjoy some more of the independent shops, following the winding cobbled lanes and learning about Rye's History. <br /><br /><br />Also if you've nosied around my corner of the internet, you will know that I am a huge interior's/home lover<em> (I have a few posts lined up soon for the décor department)</em> and Rye is all types of home goals. I could literally live in every house I saw, and it had definitely got me dreaming of my future house goals<em> (complete with doggy companion and boot room please).</em> <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56lVsgckkDg/WhWCXW1aD5I/AAAAAAAAH4Q/yPtO4Wg8_SsRQoTPW1Z89cU_JZKEj8zPQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_111024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1592" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56lVsgckkDg/WhWCXW1aD5I/AAAAAAAAH4Q/yPtO4Wg8_SsRQoTPW1Z89cU_JZKEj8zPQCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_111024.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmUeNrva45c/WhWDqTVgveI/AAAAAAAAH4c/lY5wTqslVHQYZrbb4CWqPcbS9TxfeGquACLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_123957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmUeNrva45c/WhWDqTVgveI/AAAAAAAAH4c/lY5wTqslVHQYZrbb4CWqPcbS9TxfeGquACLcBGAs/s640/20170920_123957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNy17E5b0GQ/WhWYqQagHuI/AAAAAAAAH4s/Ib3zjXw0s8sslmHRsAh7AgBOFjJzkfsuQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_140632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="638" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNy17E5b0GQ/WhWYqQagHuI/AAAAAAAAH4s/Ib3zjXw0s8sslmHRsAh7AgBOFjJzkfsuQCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_140632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta1RUY6NCb4/WhWYq2tgaVI/AAAAAAAAH4w/6Liso9CgsxQAB3to0-kss4Q5Ya3kigaJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_140748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ta1RUY6NCb4/WhWYq2tgaVI/AAAAAAAAH4w/6Liso9CgsxQAB3to0-kss4Q5Ya3kigaJwCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_140748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />We carried on pottering around the little shops and stopped for a quick drink at <a href="http://www.mermaidinn.com/bar/" target="_blank">The Mermaid Inn</a>, before heading back to our B&amp;B to get ready for our final night out of the trip.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38FEFnakBFc/WhWcJB17rjI/AAAAAAAAH48/pwLlOgymi789CamFCf86wO6QkaXpJPWtwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170920_130327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38FEFnakBFc/WhWcJB17rjI/AAAAAAAAH48/pwLlOgymi789CamFCf86wO6QkaXpJPWtwCLcBGAs/s640/20170920_130327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />We had our evening meal at <a href="http://www.simplyitalian.co.uk/" target="_blank">Simply Italian</a>, which was incredible! As it was our last night I didn't snap any photos, but I would highly recommend them. The service was incredible and it was really busy to say it was a week night, which goes to show how popular it must be. We then headed back to our <a href="http://www.lifeinthefashionlanee.com/2017/11/our-stay-at-willow-tree-house-rye.html" target="_blank">B&amp;B</a> for a night of relaxation, before driving to Battle for a quick stop on the way home.<br /><br /><br />If you love quaint towns full of stories, independent shops and cute cafes then Rye will be right up your street. It's the perfect place to escape and has bags of charm and tales to tell. We really enjoyed pottering along the cobbled roads, popping in and out of shops and admiring all the beautiful houses. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants as well as being close by to other interesting towns.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shannon Phttps://plus.google.com/106425381449417054047noreply@blogger.com0